Emancipation Oak

Tucked away by the entrance of Hampton University is this piece of history. Being an alum of an HBCU, this one is very special to myself. For those who aren't familiar (and I wasn't until recently), this oak tree is where President Abraham Lincoln stood to give the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. And this was a place where newly freed slaves were taught at the Butler School which was built right by the oak tree, which was the beginning of Hampton University as we know it.

Tip: There is a small parking lot (Lot 2) where you can park near the tree for free. There is a fence that covers the oak, but behind it is an opening where you can take some pictures up and close. Believe me, it's a sight to see.

Truly rich history and remarkable this tree is still standing. We hit Fort Monroe first and learned a lot of the history and even saw a beautiful painting of the oak tree where education was taking place in the painting. Was the site of the first Southern reading of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, an act which accelerated the demand for African-American education.

If it was not for the Yelp Adventure Bingo challenge I would have never known about this slice of history! I'm so glad this was on the bingo board as a place to visit. The location is very convenient there is a parking lot so you could see it. I love to seeing other people visiting the same location while I was there. It's a quick visit, so perfect if you are passing through. The tree is amazing along with the history.

I wish I could say that this was the first time I was reviewing a tree on Yelp, but it turns out that I've actually reviewed the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York. Go figure. This historical tree has a historical marker to go with it that 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."

There is a small parking lot here and the tree itself is surrounded by a low fence to protect it from people who would no doubt climb on it or carve initials or whatnot.

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

--Marcus Garvey

Recently, I learned about a group of trees that are part of a bicentennial project (You can read more about them here at John D.'s review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/scottsdale-park-san-jose?hrid=1J3-SaYHlldpOhm_drtd5g). I started to look for some around here, but along the way, I came across this amazing tree--the Emancipation Oak (EO). I found it on waymarking.com, and it was under the section "historic trees." I was so excited when I found this tree, especially when EO is one of the 10 Great Trees of the World by the National Geographic Society. It is 98 feet in diameter, and it is a Live Oak (Quercus virgiana), which means it is an evergreen, and remains green and "live" throughout the winter.

EO is located on the campus of Hampton University, and is nearby Fort Monroe--which was held by the Union during the Civil War. (Check out the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe--it's free, and a great compliment to visiting EO: http://www.yelp.com/biz/casemate-museum-fort-monroe.) In this area, many African-American slaves reached freedom behind the Union lines, which enabled freedmen to eagerly search for education. Mary Smith Peake began to offer classes underneath this amazing oak tree, and in 1863, the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was gathered at this site.

It took me a bit to find EO today--the pin on the map here on Yelp is exact, but sometimes it can be difficult when using GPS. Parking on the grounds of Hampton University is only for students, staff, and visitors who have a permit/decal. I parked at Hampton Harbor on Settlers Landing Road, which is where the University Bookstore and Tropical Smoothie is located. The sign says you have one hour for parking, but that will be plenty of time. Walk between Wing Zone and Palm Tree Café, and you will see a bridge. Walk across it and cross the street. Turn left and once you get to Emancipation Drive, turn right. You will see Lot 2 across the street. That is there you will find EO.

When I walked up to the placard and saw EO, I realized there is an iron fence. Not only is there a fence around the tree, huge branches hang down hiding the trunk; I was disappointed. Then I began to walk around and realized the backside of the tree is bare of branches, and even more exciting than that, the fence does not go all the way around it! You are able to go right up to the tree, walk under the branches, and, if you're like me, touch its magnificent energy. Being in the presence of EO was incredible; I was in awe to know that rich history stood under my feet. There was no one else around and it made me sad--maybe days and days go by with no one to visit this remarkable tree.

If you are in the area, I hope you will take a trip to visit EO. I plan to take my boys and my parents when they visit next time. I hope more people give love and respect to EO. "And the boy loved the tree...very much. And the tree was happy." ― Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

Can you imagine African-American people hearing the Emancipation Proclamation being read aloud to them? It is said to have happened under this tree. One thing is for sure, this tree was alive and well back then.