tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751220465315554061.post2839258652769439839..comments2024-02-28T13:55:37.847-08:00Comments on My Ancestor's Name: Finding Civil War Contrabands in ArkansasAngela Y. Walton-Rajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12987860835348165902noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751220465315554061.post-89632300387589395752013-04-15T05:21:04.784-07:002013-04-15T05:21:04.784-07:00Hi I just wanted to let you know that Camp Freedma...Hi I just wanted to let you know that Camp Freedman was located three miles south of Helena on the Pillow Plantation. I have not as yet been able to pin down exactly where, but I have found other records that mention the distance and the place. Also are you aware of the new Freedom Park that has been created in Helena? This park interprets the African American experience in the Civil War in Helena. I enjoyed your blog.J. Brentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751220465315554061.post-37784398422276977412013-04-11T15:09:40.982-07:002013-04-11T15:09:40.982-07:00Ms. Walton-Raji,
I was directed to your page toda...Ms. Walton-Raji,<br /><br />I was directed to your page today.<br /><br />Yes, Helena was the site of a huge number of contraband, thanks to Gen. Samuel Ryan Curtis, an abolitionist who refused to turn away the escaped slaves his troops encountered on their way across Arkansas following the Battle of Pea Ridge. Arriving at Helena with Curtis in July 1862 were more than 2,000 contraband. That number increased dramatically as word reached surrounding plantations in the Delta that the Union forces offered refuge. Contraband were employed in the construction of Fort Curtis, and many volunteered to join the Union Army, fighting in the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863.<br /><br />The contraband story is an important part of Helena's interpretation efforts in conjunction with Arkansas' commemoration of the 150 anniversary of the Civil War. Attached is a link to information about Helena's new Freedom Park: http://www.arkansas.com/blog/post/freedom-park-dedication-in-historic-helena-this-saturday/<br /><br />Also, there ARE a few photos of contraband encampments at or near Helena. These are in the possession of the Nebraska State Historical Society. One that you may be able to find on the civilwarhelena.com/history/archives site is (Nebraska State Historical Society, Item number RG3323 PH6-8).<br />http://civilwarhelena.com/history/archives/<br /><br />Please let us know if we can be of any aid in your efforts.<br /><br />Take care.<br /><br />Thomas Jacques,<br />assistant director<br />Delta Cultural Center<br />Helena, Arkansas<br />(870) 338-4350.<br />www.deltaculturalcenter.com<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17730072493640289077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751220465315554061.post-50655656288391531112013-04-11T14:08:52.469-07:002013-04-11T14:08:52.469-07:00Ms. Walton-Raji,
More than 2,000 contraband follo...Ms. Walton-Raji,<br /><br />More than 2,000 contraband followed General Curtis' Union forces into Helena in mid-1862; federal forces would occupy the city through the war's end. As word that the federal forces would permit refuge for contraband spread through the Delta, more escaped, fleeing to Helena.<br /><br />Recognizing this important part of Delta Arkansas's Civil War history, Helena is aggressively attempting to provide interpretation of the contraband experience as the state looks back on the 150 anniversary of the Civil War. The newly-dedicated Freedom Park is a moving example of this effort. I am including a link to provide you with more information on the site: http://www.arkansas.com/blog/post/freedom-park-dedication-in-historic-helena-this-saturday/<br /><br />Also, there ARE a few Civil War Helena photographs of the contraband camps; these were found in the possession of the Nebraska State Historical Society. One powerful shot that can be found at the civilwarhelena.com site is (Nebraska State Historical Society, Item number RG3323 PH6-8).<br /><br />Please let us know if we can be of aid.<br /><br />Thomas Jacques,<br />assistant director<br />Delta Cultural Center<br />(870) 338-4350Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17730072493640289077noreply@blogger.com