The civil war collection

The Civil War was a time in which brother fought against brother, and a country was split into two. Citizens in both the North and South handled the trauma and deviation that the war brought with it differently. Throughout childhood, Americans are taught of this bloody war without fully understanding the heart brake and death experienced by all. In the Eastern Kentucky Special Collections and Archives, historians as well as American citizens can see first hand accounts as to what people during this time experienced during the Civil War.

While most Americans during the Civil War kept up with key events, some followed its every move. In box one, folder two in the Civil War Collection, a little brown bank book seemed as though it was just that. The front read "First National Bank of Richmond" but held no clues as to who it's owner was. At first glance, the pages were filled with banking information as well as spending reports for the owner. However, at a second look the pages were filled with newspaper articles on reports and battles of the Civil War. Most were dated in 1863 and from a newspaper called "The National Tribune." These carefully placed and folded up articles showed the care that someone put time into finding, cutting, and preserving these articles. It had significance and importance to the owner of this book, and more than likely others during this time. They wanted to make sure either someone was safe from harm or that their side would be victorious.

Not only were people following movements in the war, but soliders were being relieved of their duties on the frontline. This same collection and folder held discharge papers for someone named Louis Wilson from February 1866. These papers vary from one solider to the other but list personal information from their time of service. In this case, it is clear that once a solider has done their time they could leave just as Wilson had done. It mentioned he had served the time needed but there would be no objection if he were to re-enlist. Soldiers were needed to participate in the war, but this shows there was a way to leave. One is able to imagine the sorrow, fear, and desperation when being drafted into the war. I imagine the happiness that this solider along with so many others who survived the war and were able to leave and return home to their families.

In conclusion, this collection of information gave a key look into ideas that are not often thought of when one thinks of the Civil War. Outlooks on the war change as examination contined. I would recommend that all Americans look into archives such as these in order to better understand there own history.

1. Unknown author, "Bank book", 1863. Civil War Collection.  (Box 1 Folder 2), Eastern Kentucky University Special Collections Archive, Richmond, Ky.

2.  United States government to Louis Wilson, February 1866, Civil War Collection. (Box1, Folder 2), Eastern Kentucky University Special Collections Archive, Richmond, Ky.