History of Emancipation
History of Emancipation:
Gen. David Hunter and general Order No. 7
On April 13, 1862, following the Union capture of Ft. Pulaski during the Civil War, Maj. Gen. David Hunter issued General order No. 7 freeing those enslaved at the fort and on Cockspur Island. Hunter, an abolitionist advocated the enlistment of black solders in the Union Army, ordered freedmen subject to military service. Not yet committed to a comprehensive plan of emancipation, President Abraham Lincoln overturned the orders. However, Hunter´s orders were a precursor to Lincoln´s own Emancipation Proclamation, formally issued January 1, 1863, and the establishment of the Bureau of Colored Troops on May 22 1863. Local African-American units included the 103rd Regiment USCT, which serviced at Ft. Pulaski 1865-1866.
2008.5 Erected by The Georgia Historical Society and Sam´s Club and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 25-32
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.