What term refers to runaway slaves during the Civil War?

The term "contraband" specifically refers to runaway slaves during the Civil War era. This terminology emerged in the early days of the conflict when Union forces began to seize slave labor and declare them as "contraband of war." The term highlighted the legal and military status of these individuals, as it allowed Union commanders to protect and utilize slaves who escaped to Union lines, viewing them not just as fugitives but as valuable assets in the war effort against the Confederacy.

During the Civil War, many enslaved people fled their plantations in search of freedom, and when they reached Union camps, they were often labeled as contraband. This status provided a basis for legal protection and aid, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward slavery within the Union, particularly as the war progressed and the moral implications of emancipation became more pronounced.

In contrast, while "fugitive" also describes someone who has escaped, especially from slavery, it lacks the specific connotation used during the Civil War and does not incorporate the idea of their status as property captured in conflict. The term "refugee" typically refers to someone who has fled their home due to war or persecution and is not exclusive to those escaping slavery. "Emancipated" signifies the formal freeing of