Many African-Americans who fled Southern plantations and farms seeking freedom and protection found the Union-occupied Corinth to be a secure location. Union General Grenville Dodge understood what effect the defection of thousands of African-Americans would have on the Confederate War effort. He began to enlist the escaped slaves who came into his lines as teamsters, cooks, and laborers. He actively recruited male refugees, armed them, and placed them in charge of security at the newly organized contraband camp in Corinth. Dodge’s refugee administrative efforts led to the formation of the 1st Alabama Infantry Regiment of African Descent, consisting of approximately 1,000 men.
Under the supervision of Chaplain James M. Alexander of the 66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the Corinth camp resembled a small town, complete with a church, commissary, hospital, both frame and log houses, and a street grid with named streets and numbered houses. An American Missionary Association School operated where eager students of all ages sought knowledge day and night.
Today, a portion of this camp has been set aside to commemorate the events, which changed the lives of so many people. Bronze figures surround the trail through the camp depicting the lives of these people considered “contraband” of war.
This attraction is part of Corinth, Mississippi, student tours
Corinth Contraband Camp
