The enslaved are freed. Old Fort Frederick becomes the site of one of the most important moments in American history.
Quotations from historians featured in this segment include:
"Miss Laura Towne established the Penn School on St. Helena Island, just a ferry ride across the sound from Fort Frederick."
"These people put their lives on the line and risked everything for what they thought was a better world. It was extraordinary idealism that is hard to imagine today."
"Harriet Tubman, famous for helping many of the enslaved to freedom with the Underground Railroad, brought her skills with her to Port Royal Island. She nursed the Civil War injured, while teaching the newly freed people ways to negotiate a wage-based system, rather than being forced to labor under the threat of the lash."
"There's one plantation near Beaufort where she is credited with moving 700 people from that plantation...That's quite a feat."
"Lincoln watched the experiment with great interest and during the summer of 1862, announced the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Immediately, plans were made for a grand celebration at Camp Saxton on January 1, 1863—the day the Proclamation was to be signed."
"When it was read and after it was read, someone spontaneously popped out with the sound, "My Country 'Tis of Thee"...and jubilation took place."
