This home is dedicated to Mattie Louise Reese, one of the courageous young women known as the Leesburg Stockade Girls. Her strength and resolve, shared with her fellow protestors, stand as a testament to the power of youth, unity, and the enduring fight for justice during the Civil Rights Movement.
In the summer of 1963, Mattie Louise Reese joined a group of brave girls from Americus, Georgia, who stood up against segregation and inequality. Known today as the Leesburg Stockade Girls, these fifteen girls ages 12 to 15 were arrested for peacefully protesting segregation at the Martin Theater.
Their act of courage led to a shocking injustice. After attempting to enter the “whites-only” entrance of the theater, they were taken by police to a remote Civil War–era building in Leesburg, Georgia. For nearly two months, they were held without formal charges, legal counsel, or contact with their families.
Inside the Leesburg Stockade, the conditions were harsh no beds, no running water, and no sanitation. The girls endured the summer heat and uncertainty, unaware that their story would soon capture national attention and become a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
Their hidden imprisonment came to light when photographer Danny Lyon discovered them and published photos showing the girls behind barred windows. The images spread across the nation, prompting outrage and calls for their release. On September 1, 1963, after 45 days in confinement, the girls were finally reunited with their families.
Though they were never charged with any crime, their bravery and endurance left a lasting impact. The Leesburg Stockade Girls’ story stands as a powerful reminder of the role young people played in the struggle for equality. In 2019, a historical marker was placed at the site, honoring them as the “Leesburg Stockade Stolen Girls.”
We honor Mattie Louise Reese and her fellow Stockade Girls for their unwavering courage. Their stand for justice continues to inspire future generations to confront inequality with strength, unity, and hope.
