Wallace Turnage, born around 1846 into slavery, experienced numerous escape attempts before his dramatic flight from Mobile, Alabama, in 1864 at age 17. Sent to fetch supplies, he fled after being punished, risking severe repercussions from his master. He navigated through Confederate defenses and made a 25-mile trek to reach Union forces at Fort Powell. Turnage later documented his escape in a narrative, which was preserved by his daughter and eventually published, highlighting his resilience and the broader struggle for freedom of enslaved African Americans during the Civil War.
Turnage's flight from Mobile, despite multiple failed attempts and brutal punishment, underscores the determination of enslaved individuals to seek freedom against overwhelming odds.
Facing another impending punishment, Wallace Turnage bravely escaped captivity in Mobile, successfully navigating through Confederate defenses to reach freedom at Union Fort Powell.
His narrative details not just the physical escape, but also the emotional toll of repeated enslavement, showcasing the resilience and courage of African Americans striving for freedom.
Turnage's story, later documented and published, serves as a critical reminder of the rich personal histories behind the journey for emancipation and the fight against slavery.
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