The Untold Story Of Fortress Monroe And The Ending Of Slavery In America

Slavery has been a dark chapter in American history, yet amidst the shadows, remarkable stories emerge to shed light on the uphill battle fought by those seeking freedom. One such story revolves around Fortress Monroe, a fortress that played a pivotal role in the dismantling of slavery. This article uncovers the untold story of Fortress Monroe and highlights its crucial contribution to ending slavery in America.

The Unlikely Hero: Major General Benjamin Butler

Fortress Monroe, located in Hampton, Virginia, became an epicenter of activities leading to the abolition of slavery during the American Civil War. At the heart of this remarkable transformation was Major General Benjamin Butler.

Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America

by Selene Castrovilla (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51457 KB
Print length	:	208 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Maj. Gen. Butler, known for his non-traditional approach, made an astounding decision that lay the cornerstone for emancipation. Upon three enslaved individuals seeking refuge at the fortress, Butler labeled them "contraband of war" instead of returning them to their "owners." This bold move struck a blow against the institution of slavery and challenged its legal foundations.

The Contraband Policy and the Road to Emancipation

Butler's "contraband policy" paved the way for the freedom of many enslaved individuals. As word spread, more and more self-emancipated individuals made their way to Fortress Monroe, seeking shelter and protection. The policy initiated a domino effect that transformed the fortress into much more than a strategic military outpost.

At great risk, Fort Monroe became a sanctuary for all who sought liberation. The fortress housed and educated the contrabands, providing them with the tools they needed to establish new lives. The contrabands played a significant role in the economic growth of the area, with many engaging in vital industries that supported the Union cause.

A Community United: The Contrabands' New Life

The influx of contrabands created a vibrant community within the fortress. The once formidable walls that had represented oppression now stood as symbols of hope, resilience, and unity. Families were reunited, marriages were solemnized, and cultures blended in the quest for a new beginning.

Education played a crucial role in empowering the contrabands. Schools were established, and teachers volunteered their time and expertise to ensure that the once enslaved individuals had access to knowledge. This dedication to education flourished long after the end of the Civil War, leaving a lasting impact on generations to come.

The Emancipation Proclamation and the Legacy of Fortress Monroe

Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, cemented the path towards the end of slavery in America. While the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free all enslaved individuals, it reshaped the American Civil War and fueled the fight for equality.

Fortress Monroe played a significant role in the development of Lincoln's historic proclamation. Maj. Gen. Butler's contraband policy and the fortress's embrace of freedom seekers contributed to the growing sentiment that slavery was unjust and had no place in a nation built on liberty.

Although the fortress no longer stands physically, its legacy lives on. The story of Fortress Monroe serves as a reminder of the untold heroes and their defiance against the chains of oppression. It highlights the power of humanity and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

The story of Fortress Monroe during the Civil War is a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who fought against slavery. From the small act of deciding to label enslaved individuals as contraband, a ripple effect was created that contributed to the eventual dismantling of the institution of slavery in America.

Today, as we reflect on this untold story, let us remember the importance of embracing unconventional ideas and fighting against injustice. May the legacy of Fortress Monroe forever serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the indomitable spirit and humanity that can overcome even the darkest chapters of history.

Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America

by Selene Castrovilla (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51457 KB
Print length	:	208 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

In this dramatic Civil War story, a courageous enslaved fugitive teams with a cunning Union general to save a Union fort from the Confederates–and triggers the end of slavery in the United States. This is the first children's nonfiction book about a Black unsung hero who remains relevant today and to the Black Lives Matter movement. 

On the night Virginia secedes from the Union, three enslaved men approach Fortress Monroe. Knowing that Virginia's secession meant they would be separated from their families and sent farther south to work for the Confederacy, the men decided to plead for sanctuary. And they were in luck.
 
The fort's commander, Benjamin Butler, retained them--and many more that followed--by calling them "contraband of war." Butler depended on the contrabands to provide information about the Confederates. He found the perfect partner in George Scott, one of the contrabands, whose heroism saved the fort from enemy hands. And, it was the plight of the contrabands that convinced President Lincoln that slavery MUST be abolished and inspired him to write his Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebellious states.