The Contraband Historical Society is an organization of concerned citizens, whose mission is to research, preserve and promote the history, legacy, and contributions of the slaves, who were considered “Contraband of War. ”They were liberated on May 24, 1861 at Fortress Monroe, Virginia by Commanding Officer Major General Benjamin F. Butler. Butler's far-reaching gesture prompted thousands of slaves to run to Hampton to Fort Monroe to get behind Union lines and join in the Union's war effort in exchange for their liberation. As a result, Fort Monroe became known as “Freedom's Fortress."