Leroy Lloyd, a past president of the Effingham County Branch of the NAACP, has studied the terrible tragedy that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 African-American women, men and children in 1864 as they sought freedom at Ebenezer Creek.

These brave souls followed Union soldiers, trying to escape the pursuit of Confederate forces. The temporary bridge that spanned Ebenezer Creek was removed, resulting in the loss of lives.

Accordingly, Lloyd made it a project to commemorate this tragedy with an annual  wreath-laying ceremony at the resting place where victims are buried. The 2019 event is set Saturday 2:30 p.m. at the African-American cemetery of the Jerusalem Lutheran Church Cemetery, 2996 Ebenezer Road, Rincon. The site is near the Ebenezer Retreat Center.

Lloyd made it a project to clean up the area, making it appropriate for the resting place.

The current president of the Effingham County Branch of the NAACP, Edies Cope, invites the extended community to join the members of the Effingham County Branch in commemorating this solemn occasion.

 A small plaque at the top of the burial area acknowledges the loss of lives.

It reads: SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE AFRICAN-AMERICANS WHOSE REMAINS REST IN THIS PLACE.

 For more information, email theeffinghambranchnaacp@yahoo.com or contact Lloyd at 908 - 406 -4235.