What was it like to fall ill during the deadliest epidemic in human history?
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A patient’s haunting experience in a Coal Region influenza hospital in 1918
“May these sights soon cease” – Influenza in Pottsville, 1918
"Sorrow and woe stalk almost unceasingly in our midst," wrote the Pottsville Republican in October 1918.
“A Copperhead outrage” – An attack on a pro-Union newspaper in Schuylkill County during the Civil War
In June 1864, the offices of the Anthracite Journal in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania were ransacked by an angry mob.
“With great sorrow I address you” – A heartbreaking letter to the father of a fallen Civil War soldier
Private Anthony Wade died in an accidental shooting near Cold Harbor, Virginia in June 1864.
The dramatic aftermath of the Lincoln assassination in Schuylkill County
In Pennsylvania's anthracite coal field, reactions to the dramatic events of April 1865 were shockingly mixed.
“We gave them hell” – Company G, 96th Pennsylvania in the Battle of South Mountain
Soldiers from a company in the 96th Pennsylvania describe their experiences in the Battle of South Mountain in September 1862.
“The war feeling” – Amid chaos of September 1862, Schuylkill County prepared itself for war
When a Confederate army threatened Pennsylvania in September 1862, the citizens of Pottsville jumped into action. They also felt the harsh hand of war.
“Revolutionary Disloyalty” – A coal miners’ rebellion in Schuylkill County during the Civil War
In October 1862, Irish miners in Pennsylvania staged an armed revolt against the government. Their actions foreshadowed even bloodier events.
On Picket Duty with the 96th Pennsylvania – February 5, 1862
A correspondent from the Pottsville Miners' Journal visits the front line picket post of the 96th Pennsylvania.
“An Expression of Our Hearty Thanks” – A Letter from the 96th Pennsylvania, January 5, 1862
The 96th Pennsylvania's chaplain sends a letter of thanks to the women of Pottsville for their generous work on behalf of the regiment.
