Freedmen's Town

A freedman's town, in the United States, refers to communities built by freedmen, former slaves who were emancipated during and after the American Civil War.

The Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment brought 4 million people out of slavery in the defunct Confederate States of America. Many freedmen migrated from white areas to build their own towns away from white supervision. They also created their own churches and civic organizations. They started schools, which both adults and children attended to learn to read and write.

To provide help in education and managing the transition of the people to freedom, including negotiation of labor contracts and establishing the Freedmen's Bank, President Abraham Lincoln created the Freedmen's Bureau.

After taking office, President Andrew Johnson vetoed the re-authorization and funding of the bureau in 1866 during Reconstruction.

The Fourth Ward of Houston, Texas is the location of the Freedmen's Town Historical District.

Source: Internet