Maps. I could spend all day analyzing maps, especially ones that detail statistics like this one - showing the concentrations of slavery in 1860. Note the coastal, Piedmont, and river regions. One might also consider how the Emancipation Proclamation affected the institution in a practical sense in January, 1863, or how self-emancipation took hold from the beginning of the war. As Robert Gould Shaw said in early 1863, "Wherever our army has been there remain no slaves, and the Proclamation will not free them where we don't go."
K
I see this is being sold for the benefit of our sick and wounded soldiers. Very commendable!
ReplyDeleteI can't read the legend. Is this is per capita, or density per square mile? The former would illustrate the socio-economic situation of each county better than a simple head count.
I'd be interested in seeing a map of Black emigration during the reconstruction era. I imagine it would show a greater concentration to the Northern cities and little change in Northern rural areas??? Also considerably more westward migration than indicated by Hollywood's interpretation of the Old West.
Kurt - this map just represents population density. You would probably be interested in checking out this site
ReplyDeletehttp://dsl.richmond.edu/?page_id=6
One of my friends from grad school was instrumental in putting it together. Check out especially the "Visualizing Emancipation" tab. He is doing pretty cutting-edge work in the world of digital history.
Keith,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind mention, I appreciate it. I hope all is well with you on the west coast. Be sure to look me up if you come back to Virginia.
Best,
Scott