When you think of Virginia’s natural wonders, you likely envision Natural Bridge, Shenandoah National Park, Falling Spring Falls, or Luray Caverns. But what about a single tree? Emancipation Oak is perhaps one of the most important trees in our state, and also among the oldest. Located on the campus of Hampton University, it’s estimated to be hundreds of years old. It also happens to be the site of what many believe to be the first public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in the Southern U.S.
The beauty of Emancipation Oak is impossible to deny, but its history is perhaps even more incredible.
Bill Drummond / Google
In the 1850s, a free Black woman by the name of Mary S. Peake began teaching enslaved and free Blacks, as she believed that education was essential for both freedom and perseverance.
BarneyTheCat / Google
Her classes were taught outside under a beautiful oak tree.
Bill Drummond / Google
The Emancipation Oak was also the site of the first Southern reading of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Thereafter, the tree would be known as Emancipation Oak.
Michael McCaughan / Google The above inscription reads, “To the west, on the grounds of Hampton University, stands the Emancipation Oak. Under its sheltering limbs, protected and encouraged by the occupying Union army and prominent local church leaders, Mary Smith Kelsey Peake (1823- 22 Feb. 1862) taught her fellow African Americans to read and write as the Civil War began. She founded the first black school in Hampton at Brown Cottage in September 1861; it was a forerunner of Hampton University. In 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, Hampton residents gathered beneath the oak to hear the text read aloud.”
Photographed below is the Emancipation Oak Model Schoolhouse, situated near the beautiful tree.
Douglas W. Reynolds, Jr. / Google
If you have the opportunity to see this breathtaking tree in person, you’ll be grateful that you could witness such a vital and inspiring piece of Virginia history.
Jen Smith / Google
For a gorgeous view of Emancipation Oak, check out the brief and lovely video below:
Bill Drummond / Google
BarneyTheCat / Google
Michael McCaughan / Google
The above inscription reads, “To the west, on the grounds of Hampton University, stands the Emancipation Oak. Under its sheltering limbs, protected and encouraged by the occupying Union army and prominent local church leaders, Mary Smith Kelsey Peake (1823- 22 Feb. 1862) taught her fellow African Americans to read and write as the Civil War began. She founded the first black school in Hampton at Brown Cottage in September 1861; it was a forerunner of Hampton University. In 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, Hampton residents gathered beneath the oak to hear the text read aloud.”
Douglas W. Reynolds, Jr. / Google
Jen Smith / Google
Have you ever visited the iconic Emancipation Oak? What did you think? For more beautiful destinations around the state, check out our list of the most incredible natural wonders in Virginia.
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Address: Emancipation Oak, Hampton, VA 23663, USA
