This photograph shows a “contraband” camp in Richmond, Virginia. During the early months of the Civil War in August of 1861, Congress passed, and President Lincoln signed, the First Confiscation Act. It stated that the Union could seize and confiscate property used in the Confederate war effort – including enslaved people. The Union Army set up camps to provide relief, including shelter, rations, clothing, medical attention, education, and even employment. The term ”contraband”— property confiscated in war—was given to enslaved people who escaped, or were freed as the Union Army advanced.
The advance of the Gunboats up the river to New Berne, N. Carolina. Passing the Barricade
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
