Ring the Bell: A Symbolic Marker of Freedom (U.S. National Park Service)

A park ranger stands beside a wooden pole and demonstrates to a small child how to ring the bell. — Ringing the bell on Juneteenth with visitors has become an important commemorative tradition.
NPS/Linda Coldiron

Booker T. Washington and his family were among the four million enslaved individuals emancipated in Virginia in 1865, following the arrival of Union troops at the Burroughs Plantation in Hale’s Ford, Franklin County. Washington’s mother, Jane, served as the plantation cook, and the family, consisting of Booker, his brother John, sister Amanda, and their mother, lived in a small cabin on the property.

When a federal soldier arrived to announce emancipation to the enslaved people on the plantation, the sound of a bell may have resonated across the property. Although historical records do not confirm whether Union troops or formerly enslaved individuals rang the bell, Booker T. Washington National Monument recognizes it as a symbolic marker of freedom and remembrance for the Washington family and others on the plantation.

In his memoir “Up from Slavery”, Washington recalled that at the age of eight or nine, he joined other enslaved individuals to hear their freedom announced by a Union officer, describing the experience as a time when “freedom was in the air.” The symbolic act of ringing a bell, whether performed on the day of emancipation or later commemorated by visitors, is now an integral element of the site’s Juneteenth observance.

Participating in the Juneteenth bell-ringing at the monument has become an important commemorative tradition for visitors. Booker T. Washington National Monument recognizes it as a symbolic marker of freedom and remembrance for the Washington family and others on the plantation.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

The bell is located at the Burroughs home site in the historic core.

The route to the origional homesite begins on the paved walkway located behind the visitor center. The path increases to a 14% incline near the main barn and pig pens, then levels out by the original homesite.

Last updated: September 15, 2026

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