Corinth in Alcorn County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Site of the Corinth Contraband Camp
November 1862 - December 1863
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020
1. Main Plaque
Here a newly freed people took their unswerving first steps on the long road to full citizenship.
(Side Plaque):
"This is a great opportunity afforded your race. Will you improve it?"
--Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General, United States Army, in a speech to the Corinth Contraband Camp, May 15, 1863
Warmly received amid cheers of the assembled crowd, General Thomas's words formed a challenge met daily by all who strived to fulfill the mission of this camp.
Assisted by the American Missionary Association, some 6,000 ex-slaves here practiced free enterprise, and pursued an education for themselves and their children.
Bravely affirming their unalienable right to equality, men from this camp swelled the ranks of two infantry regiments raised for service in the U.S. Army.
Although short-lived, the Corinth Contraband Camp served as a model endeavor for later United States efforts during the American Civil War.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1863.
Location. 34° 56.098′ N, 88° 30.136′ W. Marker is in Corinth, Mississippi, in Alcorn County. Marker is on North Parkway Street, on the right when traveling north. Located within
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Contraband Camp (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A National Cemetery System (approx. 0.8 miles away); An Act to Establish and to Protect National Cemeteries. (approx. 0.8 miles away); C.S.A. Rifle Pit (approx. 0.9 miles away); Combat Wounded Veterans (approx. 0.9 miles away); Coliseum Theatre (approx. 0.9 miles away); Corinth Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Alcorn County War Memorial (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corinth.
Also see . . . Corinth Contraband Camp. National Park Service website offering additional interpretation and site information. (Submitted on July 25, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020
2. Side Plaque
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020
3. Site of the Corinth Contraband Camp Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020
4. Entrance to the Contraband Camp Site
The main plaque is to the right of the entrance.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020
5. Contraband Camp
A low relief at the entrance depicts the contraband camp's streets and shelters.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020
6. Self-emancipation of Slaves
A relief to the left of the entrance, based on a famous photo taken in Virginia, depicts slaves seeking emancipation, crossing a river in search of freedom.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay
7. Ironer
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay
8. Gardener
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay
9. Readers
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay
10. USCT soldier
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on October 1, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 25, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 30, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 10. submitted on October 1, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
