An important event took place today in downtown Richmond, marking the merger of two historic walking trails. Officials unveiled the bronze medallions installed at Lumpkin's Jail that mark the Richmond Slave Trail, and then revealed the blue painted logo that will mark the Richmond Liberty Trail.
Richmond Slave Trail
Richmond has the nefarious reputation of being the largest source of enslaved Africans on the east coast of the United States from 1830 until 1860. The docks at Manchester, Ancarrow's Landing, on the southside of the James River, were the final destination after a long journey for many enslaved Africans, destined for the slave auctions held in Shockoe Bottom.
From the docks, the slaves were marched across the river on what is now the 14th. Street bridge, and then north to Lumpkin's Jail. There the slaves were held until the auctions took place. It was here that families were often ripped apart, man and wife separated, never to see each other again. For children, it was even worse, being taken away from parents and siblings.
For those that didn't make it any further than Richmond, there was the Negro Burial Grounds. It too was located close by, and for years lay underneath the pavement of a parking lot. Because of the dedication of a group of people determined to have it see the light of day once more, the burial grounds are warmed by the benevolence of a sun that knows no bigotry.
Richmond Liberty Trail
Richmond played an important part in this nation's quest for liberty, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Shortly after the founding of Jamestown, the colonists of what was to become Virginia seemed to be in favor of the dissolution of the bonds holding us to Great Britian. What may have been nothing more than vocal dissent soon became revolutionary rhetoric heard all over the colony.
Part of the Richmond Liberty Trail will take visitors to St. John's Church, located on Historic Church Hill. This is where Patrick Henry made his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death," speech. The trail then winds it's way to Capital Square and the Governors Mansion.
Included on the Liberty Trail, in Jackson Ward, you will find the Maggie Walker National Historic site, home of the first black woman to become president of a banking institution in the U.S., and an early civil rights leader, in her own right.
Back down on the banks of the James River is The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. Tredegar Iron Works was one of the Confederacy's leading manufacturers of arms and cannon during the Civil War. The displays found here tell the story of the war from the perspective of the southern states.
Two trails converge as one
Liberty and slavery are two words most people wouldn't think had anything in common. But to someone enslaved, liberty, and being free from bondage would be no greater gift to possess. Freedom as a concept is fleeting, at best, but to embrace it is to flail against the chains that hold you back.
The two trails merging together are meant to leave visitors with a deeper understanding of how bondage of an oppressed and downtrodden people could lead to a passion and yearning for freedom. The trails also tell us that liberty, and freedom from that which enslaves us is worth fighting for.
Richmond has her heroes, as does our state. Historically, we are a passionate group of citizens, both black and white. The fabric we have woven is stained with the blood of many of our ancestors, and it has co-mingled and faded over time. Yet it tells a story of courage and passion, all in the name of liberty.
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