This collection provides a valuable insight in to the affairs of the Freedmen’s Bureau, its staff and those freedmen who had been emancipated after the Civil War. A valuable resource to anyone studying the period immediately after the American Civil War. The collection contains digitally photographed images of the original record books of the Freedmen’s Bureau. The first reel of each series provides a description of exactly where certain information can be found.
Collection of Records of the Assistant Commissioners for the states of North Carolina (M843) and South Carolina (M869) between 1865 -1872, along with Records for the Field Offices for the States of North Carolina (M1909) and South Carolina (M1910) between 1865-1872 and the Records of the Commissioner’s office including letters sent by General O.O Howard between 1865-1872 (M742). The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned lands, more commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau was set up in the aftermath of the American Civil war to undertake the relief effort after the unprecedented levels of devastation caused by the war. The Freedmen’s Bureau helped former slaves and those who were adversely affected by the war in the Southern States and District of Columbia. General Howard was made Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau after the war.
Many of the records of the Assistant Commissioners are summaries and reports, but they also include letters and labour contacts and can provide useful and detailed information on certain individuals. The Field Office reports contain letters and contracts but also the personal experiences of many individuals and contain information on the racially divided society in which the freedmen were attempting to live self-sufficiently. The Records of the Commissioner’s office contain letters sent by general O.O Howard and give insight into the concerns of those in charge of the Bureau.
This collection contains digitally photographed images of the original record books of the Freedmen’s Bureau. The microfilm reels are in excellent condition. The first reel of each series provides a description of exactly where certain information can be found. This collection provides a valuable insight in to the affairs of the Freedmen’s Bureau, its staff and those freedmen who had been emancipated after the Civil War. A valuable resource to anyone studying the period immediately after the American Civil War.
Approx. 270 reels of microfilm
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Custodial Information
Queen's University Belfast has legal ownership of the material in this collection. The usual terms and conditions apply with regard to rights management.
NARA began the process of transferring these records onto Microfilm in the 1970s, the full collection has been available on microfilm since 2006. These microfilms are available for purchase from NARA. The microfilms at Queen’s were deposited with Special Collections & Archives following completion of a research project.