In the spring of 1863, a series of strikes among miners stopped all work in the anthracite coal mines of Wiconisco Township.
“Strike among the coal miners”- Labor unrest in Wiconisco Township during the Civil War
A Pennsylvania coal town expressed astonishment that it celebrated July 4th without violence in 1862
Wiconisco Township marked Independence Day 1862 with surprisingly peaceful demonstration.
A Pottsville doctor reports on the 96th Pennsylvania at the Battle of Gaines’ Mill | June 1862
A Pottsville physician travels to the Peninsula to report on the experiences of the 96th Pennsylvania at Gaines' Mill.
Newspaper office in Lykens sent four young printers off to fight the Civil War in 1861
Four young men walked out of the offices of the Lykens Journal in 1861 to join the Union Army. Only one came back.
A Civil War officer described a rowdy party with his comrades… and found himself in a heap of trouble
The officers of the 96th Pennsylvania allegedly toasted George Washington's birthday during a raucous party in February 1862.
“Very Profitable and Productive”- Developing Williams Valley’s Anthracite Mines During the Civil War
Industrialist Henry Thomas worked with infamous Pennsylvania politicians to develop the coal trade in Williams Valley during the Civil War.
Corporal Keiser’s Christmas in the camp of the 96th Pennsylvania
In their newly constructed winter quarters in Arlington, Virginia, the 96th Pennsylvania celebrates its first Christmas at war in 1861.
Christmas 1861 – Robert Gould Shaw’s Holiday Letter From Frederick, Maryland
Robert Gould Shaw wrote this letter to his mother while sitting in his guard tent three miles east of Frederick, Maryland early on Christmas Day 1861.
“The Northern mother to her son” – A poem from the 96th Pennsylvania
Soldier-poet John T. Boyle writes home to the Pottsville Miners' Journal with this poem about the emotions of the mothers on the Northern home front.
“We are determined to conquer in the name of God and our country” – Letter from the 96th Pennsylvania
Discover a lengthly Civil War letter from Captain Charles D. Hipple of the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry. Gain unique insights into Union soldiers' patriotism, camp life in Washington D.C., and their unwavering resolve in 1861. Explore this primary source for a vivid historical perspective. Read the full story.