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Gadsden, Alabama: Reb Helpy Helperton: Emma Sansom Statue

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Directions:
In the center of Broad St., one block west of the river, at the corner of 1st St. Two blocks south of US 278/431/Meighan Blvd.
Admission:
Free
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Reb Helpy Helperton: Emma Sansom Statue

"The Sunbonnet Heroine of the Confederacy" was a 15-year-old who, on May 2, 1863, helped chase the Yankees out of Alabama. At least for a little while.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [12/14/2020]
Gadsden, Alabama - Rebel Daughter Re-Fingered Again
Reb Helpy Helperton - Emma Sansom Statue:

Shameful. That's the only word to describe the vandalism that once again deprived the statue of Emma Sansom in Gadsden, Alabama, of her right index finger.

[06/29/2008] Complete Story...

Visitor Tips and News About Reb Helpy Helperton: Emma Sansom Statue

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Emma Sansom statue.

Emma Sansom Statue - Reb Helpy Helperton

During the Civil War, a 16-year old girl named Emma Sansom showed General Nathan Bedford Forrest a way across the river so that he and his Rebel army [could press a counterattack against a raiding Union brigade on mules] . Through the years, teenagers in the town have dressed her up, rolled her in toilet paper, etc., when their high school plays against Emma Sansom High School. The finger that was pointed towards the river has been broken off, but it is still a nice statue in the historic district of downtown Gadsden, a nice town to visit and relax in anyway.

[Jessica Harbison, 01/31/2003]

Gadsden is also the site of the Big Pedo monument, burial site of a beloved deer shot in 1978 by poachers in Noccalula Falls Park.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Tribute to Air ConditioningTribute to Air Conditioning, Gadsden, AL - < 1 mi.
Noccalula Falls Doomed MaidenNoccalula Falls Doomed Maiden, Gadsden, AL - 2 mi.
Alabama's Largest Confederate MemorialAlabama's Largest Confederate Memorial, Ohatchee, AL - 15 mi.
In the region:
Barter Man, Rainsville, AL - 34 mi.

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