Existing comment:
Freedom:
African-Americans actively participated in the Civil War. In 1861, most Northerners fought to restore the Union. Slaves, however, soon realized that the war could bring them freedom. Harpers Ferry became one of many Union garrisons where thousands of runaway slaves, or "contrabands," came for refuge, employment, and freedom. Beginning in 1863, large numbers of ex-slaves joined the Union Army. |