The Freedmen's Savings Bank was a result of the efforts of the friends of the Afro-American in the North to find a means of elevating the newly emancipated race. Organized in 1865, it grew rapidly and established branches throughout the South. It later failed because of dishonesty and incompetence. Fleming traces the bank's origin, growth, decline, and failure, and he indicates its effects upon the blacks. Originally published in 1927. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.