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Emma Sansom Statue: A Gadsden Landmark

Honoring Civil War heroine Emma Sansom, this Gadsden landmark marks a pivotal moment in Southern history and invites reflection on its complex legacy.

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The Emma Sansom Statue in Gadsden, Alabama, honors a local teenager who, in 1863, guided Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest across Black Creek, leading to the capture of Union forces [3, 21]. The statue stands as a symbol of Southern courage, though it remains a point of discussion regarding Civil War memory [3].

A brief summary to Emma Sansom Statue

  • 81-99 Broad St, Gadsden, Alabama, 35901, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for the best viewing and photo opportunities [3].
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts [3, 4, 6].
  • Take a moment to read the informational plaques to learn more about Emma Sansom and the historical context [3].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Emma Sansom Statue is located on Broad Street in downtown Gadsden [3, 13]. If you're already downtown, walking is a convenient option [3]. From the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, walk south on Broad Street for a few blocks [3]. The statue is easily visible on the west side of the street [3]. There are no costs associated with walking [3].

  • Public Transport

    The Gadsden Trolley System operates routes in the city [3, 5]. Check the schedule to see if a route passes near your location and the Emma Sansom Statue [3]. The trolley fare is $1.00 per ride [3, 16]. Some routes may require a short walk from the nearest stop to the statue [3].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Gadsden [3]. A short ride from most locations in Gadsden to the Emma Sansom Statue will likely cost between $5 and $10, depending on distance and demand [3].

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Broad Street in downtown Gadsden [3]. The statue is located between 1st and 2nd Streets [3]. Limited street parking is available [3]. There is a parking lot across the street from Regions Bank [3, 13]. Parking is typically free, but check for any posted signs indicating otherwise [3].

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Discover more about Emma Sansom Statue

The Emma Sansom Statue, prominently located on Broad Street in downtown Gadsden, Alabama, commemorates the bravery of Emma Sansom, who played a pivotal role in the Civil War [3]. In May 1863, at the age of 16, Emma guided Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest across Black Creek [3, 11, 15]. This act enabled Forrest to capture Union Colonel Abel Streight and his troops [3, 9]. Union forces had burned the bridge over Black Creek to impede Forrest's pursuit [7, 8, 15]. Emma Sansom knew of a nearby ford and offered to lead Forrest and his troops across the creek [3]. Accounts vary, but it is said she rode on horseback with Forrest or led him on foot to the crossing [3, 8]. This contribution was celebrated by the Confederacy, and the statue was erected in 1907 by the Gadsden chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) [3, 7, 9]. The monument features a life-sized white marble statue of Emma Sansom in period attire [3, 9]. With her right arm outstretched, she points toward the location of the Black Creek ford [3, 9]. The statue rests on a granite pedestal with a marble relief depicting Emma guiding Forrest on horseback [3]. The Emma Sansom Statue has become a subject of debate, particularly concerning the legacy of the Confederacy [3, 9]. Some view it as a symbol of Southern pride, while others criticize it for romanticizing the Lost Cause and downplaying the role of slavery [3, 7, 9, 11]. Despite the controversy, the statue remains a prominent landmark in Gadsden, inviting reflection on a complex period in American history [3]. Visitors to the statue can also explore other nearby attractions, such as the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts and the Gadsden Museum of Art [3, 4, 6].

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