Bluejackets and Contrabands: African Americans and the Union Navy

During the Civil War, escaped slaves played a significant role in the Union blockade along the Atlantic coast. The First Confiscation Act of 1861 allowed the seizure of property used in support of the South's war effort, including slaves, and these runaways became known as contrabands. Barbara Brooks Tomblin's book "Bluejackets and Contrabands" explores the relationship between the Union Navy and the contrabands, highlighting their contributions to the Union Navy and the Union cause.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 398 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

One of the lesser-known stories of the Civil War is the remarkable role played by escaped slaves in the Union blockade along the Atlantic coast. From the very beginning of the war, countless African American refugees sought safe havens in the North, driven by the oppressive conditions they faced in the South. Due to their sheer numbers, those who reached Union forces posed a significant challenge for the military. However, fortunately, the First Confiscation Act of 1861 allowed the seizure of property used in support of the South's war effort, including slaves. Over time, these runaways, known as contrabands, became recognized as contraband of war. In her book "Bluejackets and Contrabands," Barbara Brooks Tomblin delves into the intricate relationship between the Union Navy and the contrabands. The navy established colonies for these former slaves, providing them with a new opportunity for freedom and a chance to rebuild their lives. In exchange, some contrabands served as crewmen on navy ships and gunboats, as river pilots, spies, and guides. Tomblin offers a rare and insightful perspective on the contrabands, shedding light on their invaluable contributions to the Union Navy and the Union cause.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813186870