Searching for Slabtown: The History and Archaeology of Hampton’s Grand Contraband Camp

Dr. Matthew R. Laird, Partner & Senior Researcher of the James River Institute for Archaeology, Inc., presents the archaeological findings from the survey of the community that evolved in the ruins of Hampton after it was abandoned by residents following secession from the Union in 1861.

Through mapping, research, and careful excavation in coordination with the City of Hampton, the team located the camp in present-day downtown Hampton. Laird will talk about the discoveries, successes, and challenges in analyzing the artifacts and interpreting the evidence of contraband camps as a window into the past. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/cjd2s2kj

This virtual talk is part of "Fort Monroe Contraband Decision, and the Legacy of Freedom Seekers," virtual events presented in conjunction with the Fort Monroe National Monument/National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/fomr/index.htm, Fort Monroe Authority https://fortmonroe.org/, Contraband Historical Society https://contrabandhistoricalsociety.com/, and Hampton History Museum www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org in remembrance of the agency exhibited by Frank Baker, James Townsend, and Shepard Mallory in securing their freedom and serving as a catalyst to the tens of thousands who followed finding refuge behind Union lines during the American Civil War. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/m8nbmdwu

Image: Stereoscope photo of the Grand Contraband Camp, 1864. Library of Congress

Hampton History Museum
120 Old Hampton Lane
Hampton, VA 23669
757-727-1102
https://hampton.gov/119/Hampton-Histo...