Northshore in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Camp Contraband

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

1. Camp Contraband Marker

Inscription. Camp Contraband was the name given to an encampment that existed on this site during the Civil War. The camp was a haven for a large number of refugees, most of whom were liberated slaves seeking safety within the Union lines. The former slaves were hired to do most of the manual labor for building the military buildings, military bridge, roads, railways, stockades, stables, etc. in Chattanooga during the war but were not allowed to live on the south side of the river. It was also where the Black troops (and there were many of them) were quartered. These Black soldiers had an excellent combat record. At the start of the war the population was about 2,500 people. By the end of the war there was more than twice that number of African American refugees in the camps.

Many residents of Camp Contraband gradually moved to higher ground away from the river, creating Hill City, one of the city's oldest post Civil War African American neighborhoods.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil.

Location. 35° 3.617′ N, 85° 18.617′ W.

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Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Northshore. It can be reached from River Street west of Tremont Street, on the left when traveling west. This historic marker is located along the north side of the river, in Renaissance Park, along a park walking trail that runs east and west, near the north bank of the Tennessee River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: United States Colored Troops (here, next to this marker); Union Block House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Occupied Chattanooga

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

2. Camp Contraband Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a Civil War era photograph showing residents of Camp Contraband.

(about 300 feet away); 1838 Cherokee Removal & Trail of Tears (about 300 feet away); 1864 Military Bridge (about 400 feet away); Hill Overlooks & Industrial Past (about 700 feet away); Chattanooga's Changing Riverfront (approx. 0.2 miles away); Electrical Power and the TVA (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

3. Camp Contraband Marker

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

4. Camp Contraband Marker

View, looking north, of the featured marker, seen to the right of the two markers being viewed.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

5. Camp Contraband Marker

View of the marker, looking west, along a park walkway.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

6. Camp Contraband Marker

View of the marker, looking east, along a park walkway.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,362 times since then and 349 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 25, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.