E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A The Freedmens Experience on Theodore Roosevelt Island Jonathan Pliska: Landscape Historian – CLP, NCR Formerly Historian with the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Cultural Landscapes Program National Capital Region

Introduction E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS DC-12) Virginia Potomac River Theodore Roosevelt Island Washington, DC

Masons Island E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Above: Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS DC-28) Left: Library of Congress, Geography and Maps Division

1 st U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Barracks E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Military Training E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A They are manly enough, bright enough, look as if they had the soldier-stuff in them, look hardy, patient, many of them real handsome young fellows.... These then are the black troops – or the beginning of them. Well no one can see them, even under these circumstances – their military career in its novitiate – without feeling well pleased with them. - Walt Whitman

Contrabands E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Society of Friends E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Frontispiece to Biographical Sketch of Louisa J. Roberts The poor inmates are destitute of every comfort, ragged filthy, and lying on the floor... dying for something they could eat. - Louisa J. Roberts - Louisa J. Roberts

Relief Supplies E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A First Annual Report of the Board and Managers of the Association of Friends for the Aid and Elevation of the Freedmen, 1865

Camp Map E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A National Archives, Record Group 42

Sojourner Truth E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A I went to Masons Island, and saw the freedmen there, and held several meetings... all are delighted to hear me talk. I think I am doing good. I am needed here. - Sojourner Truth - Sojourner Truth Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Register of Departures E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A National Archives, Microfilm M1902

Closing Camp E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Future Possibilities Additional Research Additional Research Site Interpretation Site Interpretation Genealogy Genealogy Archaeology Archaeology Other Freedmens Sites Other Freedmens Sites E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Jonathan Pliska Landscape Historian Cultural Landscapes Program National Capital Region Office Phone: