Schools

When the war ended, the newly emancipated slaves clamored for education. Not only children, but middle aged and elderly blacks filled schoolhouses, and, when schoolhouses did not exist, they took their lessons in fields to learn from a teacher who often was barely literate, but the most well educated person available. Under slavery their opportunities to improve their minds were limited and often barred by law. As soon as they were freed, however, blacks quickly attempted to set up schools with whatever resources available.

The Freedmen's Bureau was very helpful in establishing these schools. Although in most areas the Bureau was hesitant to offer monetary aid, it did show a willingness in regard to schools. There are many examples of schools being funded by the Bureau. It participated in the construction, furnishing, upkeep of schools and also the purchase of schoolbooks. Regarding education, the Bureau seemed to have more latitude and funds available than in other areas.

Northern aid societies played an active role as well, and the Bureau facilitated their involvement by corresponding with them and acting as the intermediary for the freedmen. These societies include the American Tract Society and the Freedman's Union Commission. One role they served was finding teachers who were adequately trained. They sent recommendations to the Bureau which in turn consulted with the freedmen about who to hire. These teachers were then "furnished" by the aid societies.

In addition to the logistical support of the aid societies, these charitable organizations contributed funds and schoolbooks, such as the one pictured to the left. The aid societies, regarded by local whites as "meddlesome," were very active in establishing and funding schools. There are numerous correspondences between the various aid societies and Jackson. There was even some discussion of establishing a "Freedmen's College" with northern funds. The Bureau was active in Augusta County setting up schools, and dedicating them. They tried to insure that schooling was available to all of the free blacks. The Bureau's success was not unilateral, and it still ran into problems such as opposition from whites, and a lack of funding. Although not without its problems, the Bureau, in conjunction with the freedmen and northern aid societies, did establish several schools for freedmen.

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