This Image Really is Worth a Thousand Words

Fugitive_slaves

Today my Civil War classes are examining sources that will aid them in better understanding the complex set of factors that led to the Second Confiscation Act and Abraham Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in the summer of 1862.  I began the class today with this photograph of fugitive slaves fording the Rappahannock River in August 1862 and asked students to think about how it helps us understand this process.  It was another wonderful discussion in what is fast becoming my most enjoyable year of teaching thus far.

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7 comments… add one
  • Chris Sep 23, 2008 @ 22:51

    I’m more impressed that high school students know more about what led to the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation than me.

  • Kevin Levin Sep 23, 2008 @ 20:14

    It’s the thought that counts.

  • Woodrowfan Sep 23, 2008 @ 19:55

    argh, that’s what I get for not reading the other comments first. never mind

  • Woodrowfan Sep 23, 2008 @ 19:54

    Clearly they were searching for a Confederate recruiting office and made a wrong turn…

  • Kevin Levin Sep 23, 2008 @ 19:43

    Very funny Kevin. I have no doubt that on one of the SCV’s websites they are doing just that. (LOL)

  • Kevin Coy Sep 23, 2008 @ 19:33

    Fugitive slaves? Aren’t they rushing off to join the Confederacy?

  • Mannie Gentile Sep 23, 2008 @ 11:07

    Kevin,

    Between your post and mine, that’s two-thousand words!

    Mannie

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