In June 1896, one of the worst mining disasters in Pennsylvania history took place beneath Pittston.
The Twin Shaft Mine Disaster | June 28, 1896
Pennsylvania minister’s letter to his secessionist nephew in Virginia reveals bitter political divides | 1861
Thomas P. Hunt wrote to his nephew in Virginia in May 1861 as the nation descended into Civil War.
A Luzerne County newspaper’s editorial about Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House, Virginia | April 1865
"The rebellion of American slavery against American freedom has just been beaten and crushed..."
The Gazette: Episode 6 – Flags go up, flags come down
This week's "Gazette" has flag raisings, assassinated US Army officers, talk of blockades and neutrality, and a letter from a Pittston soldier at war.
The Gazette: Episode 5 – Farewell Letter
We explore the story of Pittston's volunteer aid association, refugees from southern states, and an epic rant written by a Wyoming Valley minister.
The Gazette: Episode 4 – Camp Slifer
In this short episode of "The Gazette," we follow the Luzerne County soldiers in the 8th Pennsylvania Infantry to their camp near Chambersburg.
The Gazette: Episode 3 – Excelsior on the March
In Episode 3 of "The Gazette," explore letters from new recruits in the US Army, flag-waving in Pittston, and the state of war in May 1861.
The Gazette: Episode 2 – Military on the March
Pittston's young men mobilized for action one week after the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861.
The Gazette: Episode 1 – The War Begins
Pittston responds to the astonishing news that Southern militia forces fired upon a Federal garrison in April 1861. The Civil War had begun.
The Gazette: Prologue – The Looming Crisis
The first full episode of "The Gazette" examines the coming of the Civil War and the founding of Pittston's newspaper in the 1850s.