Freedman’s Village

Freedman's Village was a community established on the grounds of Arlington House in 1863 during the American Civil War. It housed over 1,000 formerly enslaved people who had escaped to Union-controlled territory. The village provided a space for these individuals to transition to independence, with schools, churches, and hospitals contributing to the rise of Black communities. Freedman's Village operated until 1890.1

This initiative was part of a larger effort during the war, where formerly enslaved people were classified as "contraband of war" and emancipated. These "contraband camps" provided refuge and support, though often faced shortages and poor sanitary conditions. Despite these challenges, they played a crucial role in aiding the war effort and fostering the development of African American communities.2