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WETA Digital Extras

Lost Civil War History: Northern Virginia Contraband Camps

Civil War blogger Ron Baumgarten discusses a often-forgotten aspect of Civil War history.

04/06/2015 | Rating NR

WETA Digital Extras

Lost Civil War History: Northern Virginia Contraband Camps

Special | 3m 41s

Civil War blogger Ron Baumgarten discusses a often-forgotten aspect of Civil War history.

During the Civil War, thousands of slaves made their way to Washington, D.C. As the city became overcrowded, the federal government created camps on abandoned secessionist lands in northern Virginia. There "contrabands" were paid to farm crops for the Union army and given access to education -- an important step in the transition from bondage to freedom.

04/06/2015 | Rating NR

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WETA Digital Extras is a local public television program presented by WETA

WETA Digital Extras

Lost Civil War History: Northern Virginia Contraband Camps

Special | 3m 41s

During the Civil War, thousands of slaves made their way to Washington, D.C. As the city became overcrowded, the federal government created camps on abandoned secessionist lands in northern Virginia. There "contrabands" were paid to farm crops for the Union army and given access to education -- an important step in the transition from bondage to freedom.

04/06/2015 | Rating NR

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

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