The Memorial

The physical memorial and the mapped record belong together.

The memorial gives public form to the obligation of remembrance. The atlas supplies the documentary and geographic frame.

Congressional authority

The current public record states that Public Law 112-239, Section 2860(b), authorized National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. to establish a memorial in Area I or Area II of Washington, D.C.

Original record

Mission and purpose

The memorial honors enslaved and free persons of African descent who served as soldiers and sailors, rendered civilian assistance, ran to freedom, or petitioned for liberty.

Original mission page

Site selection

The prior site identifies the Mall at 14th Street and Independence Avenue, Freedom Plaza, and the triangle at Virginia Avenue and 19th Street as studied locations.

Original site-selection page