While Abraham Lincoln insisted the conflict was not about slavery or civil rights, but an effort to preserve the Union, in reality, the institution of slavery was at the center of the fight.
When the North marched South, and the escaped slaves started showing up at their encampments and forts, the generals faced a dilemma. Some Union generals, in the early years of the war, actually sent the escapees back to slavery. Other Union generals did not, even though according to southern law it was required.
The resolution was declaring the escaped slaves as contraband - materials that could bolster the war effort of the South. And the result was the development of communities of these newly-freed men, women, and children which were called Contraband Camps.
Most have disappeared into the dust of history, but in Corinth Mississippi, you can trace its history, both at the truly excellent National Park Service Interpretative Center, and at the actual location of the camp, both in Corinth.
The Corinth Contraband Camp was established by Union General Grenville M. Dodge. At its height, the camp contained homes, a church, school and hospital. The freedmen and women grew cotton and vegetables which they sold in their farm program. Organizations came in to teach literacy. Eventually, it became a model camp and allowed for approximately 6,000 freed men, women, and children to re-create their lives.
There is much more history to the Civil War than military operations. Read about Contraband Camp, Freedom's Fortress, Shiloh Battlefield, and the Civil War in Corinth Mississippi
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