Emancipation DayOn New Years Day 1863 this plantation owned by John Joyner Smith was the scene of elaborate ceremonies celebrating the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. Hundreds of freedman and woman came from Port Royal, Beaufort and the sea islands to join Federal military and civil authorities and others in marking the event. After the proclamation was read, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers (Colored), the first Black regiment formed,

Camp Saxton Site for regular service in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, received its national and regimental colors. Col.Thomas W. Higginson of the regiment wrote, " Just think of it! - the first day they had ever had a country, the first flag they had seen which promised anything to their people." This plantation was also the site of Camp Saxton, where the regiment (later the 33rd U.S. Colored Troops) organized and trained from late 1862 to early 1863.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Beaufort, SC  |  Beaufort County  |  29902  |  South Carolina  |  United States of America

The Historic Union Church
Mather School
To Purple Heart Recipients
Peatross Parade Deck
Uncommon Valor
Plane Crash Memorial
Capt. Brodstrom Marker U.S.M.C., a War Memorial
Beaufort South Carolina Tricentennial
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Beaufort County, South Carolina

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.