Included here are primary source documents that tell the story of Civil War soldiers in their own words. These historic documents tell why men and boys joined so enthusiastically, and what trials and suffering were endured.

The place to go for information on the soldiers and sailors who served during the Civil War in both the Confederate and Union military. Use the searchable database to locate basic information about the 6.3 million men who served on both...

Get some first-hand information about a soldier's life during the Civil War from this large collection of letters, most of which were written by Confederate Soldiers. There is also a diary written by a member of the 20th Indiana Regiment...

A list of the South Carolina regiments that served in the Civil War, with special emphasis on Kershaw's Brigade. Included are regimental roles, biographies, and photographs of many of the soldiers who served for South Carolina.

While the American Civil War officially ended at the Battle of Appomattox, Confederate sensibilities ran deep and it was not until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s that blacks were able to fully assert their equality....

Read in-depth accounts of the lives of the soldiers who died in the Battle of Gettysburg. Each story looks at the soldier's community and home life at the beginning of the war, his wartime experiences, and the impact his death had on...

After the death of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson was responsible for implementing Reconstruction in the South after the Civil War. Read about his views on African-Americans, and the leniency he offered Confederate leaders and soldiers....

At this site from the University of North Carolina there is a firsthand account from a foot soldier who fought under the command of "Stonewall," Jackson during the Civil War. Download the full text of John H. Worsham's text, which was...

This exhibit of Civil War collections showcases some of the belongings made or used by soldiers in Union and Confederate Camps. Soldiers used these items to cope with the long days in camp.

Shows actual photographs of the uniforms of the Union and Confederate soldiers in the Civil War.

These primary sources offer a glimpse into the mentality of those living in the South during the Civil War. Included are pictures, letters from soldiers, letters from women on the homefront, and reactions to the Confederate surrender and...

This museum from North Carolina has collected artifacts, personal accounts of soldiers, biographies, and information about battles in North Carolina.

This collection of photographs from the Civil War is divided into seven different themes. Along with each picture, there is a lengthy description, the name of the photographer, and the date taken.

An informative three-page site on the famous image by photographer Alexander Gardner at Gettysburg. There is a detailed description of the photograph as well as a great discussion on the authenticity of the image.

Read about the different roles that slaves and freed blacks took on in Virginia during the Civil War. They provided labor while the white men were away fighting and they helped with the military efforts. Many took the opportunity to...

By 1863 Northern military strategists developed a five-pronged plan to end the war. Read about how these goals were accomplished and at what great cost to both the Union and Confederate soldiers and civilians.

An online exhibit that shares items made or used by Confederate or Union camps. It also describes some of the soldiers' activities in camps between battles.

Many of the generals on both sides of the Civil War were friends and acquaintances because of their service in the Mexican War. Read about some of these generals and see on which side they fought and why.

A first-hand chronology of James H. Wood's experiences in the Civil War. Included are campaigns of Stonewall Jackson in which Wood participated.

Harvey Hogue's adventures as a Union soldier in a Confederate prison camp, and his escape from the notorious Andersonville make interesting reading. Not exactly a primary source document, but stories from an actual participant in the...

The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society (BONPS) offers a narrative of the Battle of Nashville. Content addresses Hood's strategy to reclaim Tennessee, the Union opposition, the steps to battle, the battle itself (blow-by-blow), and...

Covers many aspects of the Civil War, without too much text for Grade 5 students. Includes links to additional information and a few learning activities. (Note: Some links may no longer be working.)

Kids learn about soldier's uniforms during the Civil War. The Blue and the Gray worn by the Union and the Confederates.