Civil War 1861 - 1865
“During the Civil War, the Union Army operated a recruitment and military training camp on the island, located on the south-central portion of the island and incorporating John Mason's mansion and associated outbuildings. In the summer of 1863, the 1st United States Colored Troops (USCT), a newly formed African American regiment composed of local black soldiers and escaped slaves, occupied this camp, where the men received instruction in military etiquette, drilling, marching, guard duty, and the proper use and care of firearms. The 1st USCT departed in late July 1863, and in may 1864 the military camp was reappropriated to serve the increasing numbers of African American slaves, commonly called "contrabands," fleeing north to Washington, D.C. although the camp provided rudimentary shelter, the U.S. government was at first woefully unprepared for such a massive influx, and scores of refugees died of disease, starvation, and exposure. However, with the charitable assistance of the Quaker Society of Friends, conditions in the camp steadily improved, the number of deaths decreased sharply, and a hospital and two schools were constructed. Leading abolitionist Sojourner Truth visited the site in November 1864, holding several meetings with the freedmen and speaking on the occasion of the emancipation of Maryland slaves the refugee camp was disbanded in June 1865.” — Anne E. Kidd, HABS