TOP OF MEMORIAL MARKER WILL

TOP OF MEMORIAL MARKER WILL READ: Journey of Faith: The 1867 South Carolina to Texas Migration This monument memorializes the brave men, women, and children who migrated to Texas in search of better lives. In January 1867 a courageous group of 435 newly emancipated men, women, and children left Kingstree, Williamsburg County, South Carolina with hopes for a brighter future in Texas. These formerly enslaved individuals traveled to Charleston, South Carolina and boarded the steamship Adele on January 26, 1867. The group arrived in Galveston, Texas on February 7, 1867 whereupon they journeyed by train to Marlin, Falls County, Texas. The majority of Freedmen remained in Falls County and the surrounding counties of Limestone, Robertson, Bell, Milam and McLennan. Several families settled in nearby Montgomery and Bastrop counties as well. These brave individuals laid the foundations of vibrant African American communities across Central Texas. Through genealogical and DNA research, their descendants traced family ties between Texas and South Carolina, preserving a powerful legacy of resilience, faith, and unity.

The names of all 435 freedmen, women and children who made this journey will be listed below.