The Civil War was a unique conflict, in that the assets that were considered contraband often included human beings. After the issuance of Lincoln’s preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862, many slaves sought self-emancipation by rushing to safety behind Union lines.

This drawing captures members of the Corinth Contraband Camp building fortifications at Corinth, Mississippi. The camp was established by Union General Grenville M. Dodge to accommodate African-American refugees who sought freedom with Federal forces. The camp became a self-supporting model for other camps; it contained a school and stores where food and other items produced by the refugees were sold to soldiers. Refugees were also hired by the army to do construction projects, such as the one shown in the drawing. The camp was moved to Memphis in late 1863.

Drawing by Alexander Simplot

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30805