Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: The Freedmen
This resource provides information about the Freedmen, who were free after the Emancipation of Slaves.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Reconstruction: African American Identity: 1865 1917
An interview, government reports, two paintings, and a work song that explore the constraints placed upon African American freedom in the late-nineteenth century as a result of reconstruction.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Freedmen's Education During Reconstruction
Freed slaves had a hunger for education. Find out how they supported their own schools in addition to receiving aid from the Freedmen's Bureau and northern aid societies.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: Oliver Otis Howard
Use this site to learn about Oliver Otis Howard (1830-1909), the man who was devoted to seeing that freed slaves were given their own piece of land. Site by PBS.
Other
W.e.b. Du Bois: Black Reconstruction in America 1860 1880
In this article, the book Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois is reviewed by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. This book was written to convey the experiences of African Americans during and after the Civil War, which other history...
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Black Codes in the Former Confederate States
Read about the black codes in various states enacted as a result of Johnson's lenient Reconstruction plans. From "Trial by Fire, A People's History of the Civil War and Reconstruction" by Paige Smith.
Other
Louisiana Secretary of State: p.b.s. Pinchback
This site from Louisiana Secretary of State provides a quick factsheet of Pickney Benton Stewart Pinchback (1837-1921), followed by a brief biography (also available as an audio clip).
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: William H. Holland
Read a brief bio on William H. Holland, a man born into slavery who not only fought in the Civil War but also involved in politics and working to advance African Americans during the Reconstruction. Read about some of his work as a Texas...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: Matthew Gaines
Read about Matthew Gaines, an African American state senator from Texas during Reconstruction. Learn about where he stood on issues such as integrated education and taxation of specific groups, and why he was removed from office.
A&E Television
Biography: Hiram R. Revels
Read about the life and political career of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Senate.
Black Past
Black Past: Blanche Kelso Bruce
A biography of an African American senator from Mississippi during Reconstruction, Blanche K. Bruce. Read about his political life and the causes he supported.
Black Past
Black Past: Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback
An interesting biography of P.B.S. Pinchback, first African American to be governor of any state. Read about his childhood, his life in politics, and his education to be a lawyer.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: Reconstruction and Its Aftermath
From the Library of Congress, this resource documents the course of post-Civil War, post-slavery life for black Americans. Topics include education, constitutional amendments, voting rights and the many challenges African Americans faced...
Black Past
Black Past: Hiram Rhodes Revels
Read about the life and political career of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Senate.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Reconstruction and Black Education
Highlights the development of schools for African Americans during the Reconstruction Era and the subsequent resistance to the schools by White supremacist groups.
US House of Representatives
History, Art, and Archives: Us House of Representatives: Hiram Rhodes Revels
Read here about the fascinating life of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Other
Historical Boys' Clothing: The American Civil War: Reconstruction
Outlines the major programs of the Reconstruction period after the Civil War, and the discrimination that African Americans faced, such as from the Black Codes and the Ku Klux Klan. Also discusses the amendments made to the Constitution...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1860s: George T. Ruby
Read about George T. Ruby, an African American politician from Texas during Reconstruction.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: Education
Read about the development of free education for African Americans following the emancipation of this enslaved population. This article focuses on schools in Texas, including what is now known as Texas A&M University. Includes a...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1880s: Elias Mayes
Elias Mayes was was an African American legislator in Texas during Reconstruction. Read about the committees he served on, his view on segregation, and some of the problems he faced.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1870s: The Freedmen's Bureau
Here is a brief explanation of what the Freedmen's Bureau was and why it was established. Lists some functions of the Bureau in Texas and its members.