Existing comment:
Contraband Quarters, Mason's Island, 1864:
Analostan Island or Mason's Island, now Roosevelt Island, was the country residence of General John Mason, a merchant and federal government official. In 1863 it was used as a training camp for African American detachments from Washington and then as a "contraband" camp in 1864. The island's proximity to Washington allowed it to be used as an employment depot for the refugees. Others were paid to plant corn and potatoes on the island. The "contraband" camp was disbanded in July 1865. |