The Union occupation of coastal North Carolina: Foundations for freedom

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract / Description of output

In 1861 and 1862, Union forces invaded and occupied eastern North Carolina. This chapter explores the origins, execution, and consequences of this invasion, looking at its military, social, and political significance. It highlights the weakness of Confederate fortifications along the North Carolina coast and the Union military leadership of Cmdr. Silas Stringham, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler, Brig. Gen. Ambrose Burnside, and Capt. Louis Goldsborough. As one of the first sites in the South occupied by the Union Army, coastal North Carolina created an early venue for wartime Reconstruction. The chapter emphasizes how African Americans responded to the Union invasion, escaping from slavery, forming refugee camps in Union enclaves, and working for the Union war effort. In 1862, Military Governor Edward Stanly tried to reinstitute slavery.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of the American Civil War
EditorsLorien Foote, Earl J. Hess
PublisherOxford University Press
Chapter7
Pages123-136
ISBN (Print)9780190903053
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Oct 2021

Publication series

NameOxford Handbooks

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • North Carolina
  • Civil War
  • Hatteras
  • Roanoke
  • New Bern
  • Ambrose Burnside
  • Benjamin Butler
  • Edward Stanly
  • refugees
  • emancipation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Union occupation of coastal North Carolina: Foundations for freedom'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this