Shifting Terminology for Enslaved People
As the Civil War transformed the legal and social status of Black Americans, the language used to describe them evolved as well. In 1861, Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler claimed
Tag: emancipation proclamation
“Boys, Save the Colors!”
Small in stature yet formidable in his resolve, quiet and unassuming Christian Abraham Fleetwood abandoned his bookkeeping job in Baltimore the moment Black men were allowed to enlist. Born free
Lincoln and Religious Nationalism
President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy looms large over our country’s history. During his time in the White House, he proclaimed no less than three days of fasting and humiliation, and six
Albany Army Relief Bazaar Participants
By Elizabeth A. Topping According to an inscription on the back of this carte de visite, these girls participated in the Army Relief Bazaar held at Albany, N.Y. The hugely
Free at Last
By Ross J. Kelbaugh In the 1860 U.S. Census, Louisiana enumerated 331,726 Black and mulatto enslaved persons and 18,647 free colored individuals. With the occupation of the state by the
“Conquer We Must, For Our Cause Is Just”
By Kathleen Heyworth White attitudes towards African Americans varied greatly throughout the Union army during the Civil War, even within regiments. Such was the case in the 7th Illinois Infantry.