Letters from War: 1861 | “W.H.G.” describes Camp Curtin as the 48th Pennsylvania and other regiments fills their ranks

The 48th Pennsylvania fills its ranks at Camp Curtin — and loses its first man before leaving Harrisburg In early September 1861, Coal Region regiments were pouring into Camp Curtin for three years' service. Before Colonel Nagle's 48th Pennsylvania even left for the front, a train at the Harrisburg depot killed Private William Millet — the regiment's first casualty, and he never saw a battlefield. Read the letter.

“Whiskey has cost me my own life” | An interview with John Lanahan of the 46th Pennsylvania

Lanahan grave at Frederick Maryland Civil War

A haunting interview from 1861 reveals Private John Lanahan’s remorse after fatally shooting Major Arnold Lewis in a whiskey-fueled rage. Discover how an Irish immigrant’s fleeting moment of violence led to a shocking public execution – and a cautionary tale for other Civil War soldiers. Read the full story.