ARCHER ALEXANDER

The Emancipation Memorial, also known as the Freedman’s Memorial, is the only memorial to President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C. that was erected by the formerly enslaved, and was dedicated on April 14, 1876. The two figures on the monument in Lincoln Park are President Abraham Lincoln and Archer Alexander, said to be the “last fugitive slave” in Missouri. The memorial came forth as the Inspiration of a formerly enslaved woman from Marietta, Ohio, named Charlotte Scott, and was assisted by the Western Sanitary Commission, a philanthropic commission that assisted the U.S. Colored Troops and the Contraband Camps. When it was dedicated, President U.S. Grant did the honors, and the Organizing Committee, which was all formerly enslaved, conducted the ceremony. The City of D.C., whose own Emancipation Day is also April 14, was closed for the day and included a huge parade. The event was held before a crowd of 25,000 people.

The second figure of Archer Alexander, born enslaved in 1806 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, had become a Missouri slave and, in 1863 had saved hundreds of lives when he informed Union Troops of Confederate plans. He then fled for freedom with 16 other men to St. Louis and was helped by the Western Sanitary Commission. He was later given his freedom for his services to the military. In 1880, he would be buried in the St. Peter’s U.C.C. Cemetery in St. Louis, in an unmarked grave, which is listed on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom today. Archer Alexander has become a national symbol for Emancipation and is the Great-great-great grandfather of Muhammad Ali.

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the National Park Service will celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of the dedication with an event in Lincoln Park. The day will include children’s events, a ceremony including portions of the original event, a panel discussion of the monument, and a wreath laying. The event is free, and the public is invited. More information to follow soon.