The Emancipation Memorial

Title

The Emancipation Memorial

Subject

Memorials

Description

Designed and sculpted by Thomas Ball and erected in 1876, the monument depicts Abraham Lincoln in his role of the "Great Emancipator" freeing a male African American slave modeled on Archer Alexander

Also known as the Freedman’s Memorial or the Emancipation Group.

The plaque on this memorial reads: "This monument was erected by the Western Sanitary Commission of Saint Louis Mo: With funds contributed solely by emancipated citizens of the United States declared free by his proclamation January 1 A.D. 1863. The first contribution of five dollars was made by Charlotte Scott. A freed woman of Virginia being her first earnings in freedom and consecrated by her suggestion and request on the day she heard of President Lincoln's death to build a monument to his memory."

Loretta Carter Hanes began an annual wreath laying in Lincoln Park to commemorate the District of Columbia Emancipation Act

Creator

Thomas Ball

Source

US Government

Date

1876

Rights

Public Domain

Format

Photograph

Original Format

Photograph

Files

Emancipation_Memorial.jpg

Citation

Thomas Ball , “The Emancipation Memorial,” The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act Celebrations, accessed May 12, 2024, https://janehistory390.omeka.net/items/show/8.