Valley of the Shadow

Virginia

Pennsylvania

1859

1860

1861

1862

02 Jan

  • Stonewall Brigade & Union troops skirmish in Morgan Co., VA.

    Virginia

  • Gov. Curtin addresses PA legislature & reports PA has sent 109,615 men to the war.

    Pennsylvania

03 Jan

  • J.B. McClintock lectured about Shakespeare at Court Hall.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Murfreesboro, TN

06 Jan

  • Capt. Hezekiah Easton passed through Chambersburg & showed off a saddle taken from a Confederate colonel.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Jan

  • Jailor of Augusta reported that in the past year 179 prisoners have been jailed for misdemeanors, 178 for drunkenness, 30 for felonies and larceny, 3 for murder, & 69 (Union men from western VA) for disloyalty.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Hope Fire Company met to commemorate death of William Seiders, who died in the war.

    Franklin County, PA

09 Jan

  • Rev. Hiden, chaplain of the Wise Legion, addressed Baptist Church in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

10 Jan

  • Public Library Association met in home of William Heyser.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Middle Creek, KY

14 Jan

  • Bolivar Christian, state senator from Augusta, proposes resolutions designed to increase the defense of western VA.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Simon Cameron, of Franklin, resigned his position as Secretary of War & appointed minister to Russia.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Jan

  • P.S. Dechert & B.Y. Hamsher purchased Valley Spirit.

    Franklin County, PA

  • State Democratic Committee met in Harrisburg to smooth over divisions created by 1860 presidential contest. Edwin M. Stanton, of Philadelphia, appointed Secretary of War.

    Pennsylvania

19 Jan

  • Flag stolen from offices of the Waynesboro Record.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Mill Spring, KY

21 Jan

  • Burglars steal $600 from home of A.N. Rankin. Brass band gave concert at Franklin Hall.

    Franklin County, PA

26 Jan

  • Franklin County Bible Society celebrated its 49th anniversary at Presbyterian Church.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Jan

  • Knife fight broke out between 2 Irish "trampers," who were subsequently sent to jail.

    Franklin County, PA

30 Jan
  • National

    Union ironclad Monitor launched.

Jan

  • Three men escape from county jail, including William Hicks, a deserter from 52nd VA Infantry.

    Augusta County, VA

Feb

  • Lt. William Burgess set up recruiting station in Franklin Hotel.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Feb

  • Henry Webster, TN soldier accused of murdering John Snider of Staunton, acquitted.

    Augusta County, VA

  • People's Party cancels plans for state convention.

    Franklin County, PA

05 Feb

  • Valley Spirit announced collection boxes for sick and wounded soldiers have been placed in the postal and railroad ticket offices.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Feb
  • National

    Union forces under Gen. Grant captured Ft. Henry, TN.

11 Feb

  • Spectator reports that estimated cost of completing temporary railroad line to White Sulpher Springs is $520,000.

    Augusta County, VA

12 Feb

  • Report from 77th PA noted that its soldiers sent home a total of $17,853.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Feb

  • A soldier at Camp Allegheny wrote to inform the citizens of Augusta not to send liquor to soldiers in camp.

    Augusta County, VA

Feb

  • Chambersburg girl accused of suffocating her newborn in an outhouse.

    Franklin County, PA

16 Feb
  • National

    Union forces under Gen. Grant captured Ft. Donelson, TN

17 Feb

  • Bells rung throughout Chambersburg to celebrate capture of Ft. Donelson.

    Franklin County, PA

18 Feb

  • Spectator reports that petitions have circulated around Augusta calling for govt. to make distillation of liquor from grain illegal. $80 reward offered for return of William Temple, who deserted from Camp Allegheny.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Isaac Kuhns, a laborer, found dead in a lime kiln.

    Franklin County, PA

20 Feb

  • 5 of the 6 children of Henry & Mary Foutz die over the next month from scarlet fever.

    Augusta County, VA

22 Feb

  • Chambersburg residents celebrated birthday of George Washington with parade & burning of a Confederate flag.

    Franklin County, PA

25 Feb
  • National

    Lincoln signed Legal Tender Act, providing national paper currency. Federal troops occupy Nashville, TN.

01 Mar

  • Democratic delegates in Guilford Township met at New Franklin Schoolhouse to form ticket for town elections.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Mar
  • National

    Battle of Pea Ridge, AK, began

08 Mar

  • Democrats in Green Township met in Scotland to nominate a ticket for town elections.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Mar

  • Confederate ironclad, Merrimack, destroyed 2 Union ships near Hampton Roads, VA.

    Virginia

09 Mar

  • 77th PA participated in skirmish just south of Nashville, TN.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    1st battle between Confederate Merrimack, & Union Monitor ended in draw.

11 Mar

  • Spectator printed letter that denounces speculators who use the war as an opportunity to make high profits.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Gen. McClellan relieved as Union commander.

Mar

  • Militia from Augusta ordered to report to Gen. Jackson at Winchester.

    Augusta County, VA

13 Mar
  • National

    US War Department issues orders prohibiting return of escaped slaves to Confederate owners.

14 Mar
  • National

    Union forces occupied Newbern, NC.

18 Mar

  • Augusta citizens vote in favor of ratifying the Confederate Constitution.

    Augusta County, VA

19 Mar

  • 72 Tunkers & other pacifists from Augusta and Rockingham counties are arrested as they attempt to flee to Union lines.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Democrats of Chambersburg's South Ward met at the house of D.W. Beaver to nominate a ticket for next election.

    Franklin County, PA

21 Mar
  • National

    Confederate War Department revokes all furloughs and leaves of absence.

23 Mar

  • 2 slaves named Thorton & David run away from Daniel Forrer at Mossy Creek Iron Works.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Kernstown, or Winchester, VA

    Virginia

25 Mar

  • Spectator reports that many Augusta citizens have petitioned Pres. Davis to declare martial law in the county so that disloyal citizens can be arrested and the sale of liquor halted.

    Augusta County, VA

  • New recruits from Chambersburg arrived safely at camp of 77th PA.

    Franklin County, PA

28 Mar

  • Spring elections held in each Franklin County township.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Over 100 former slaves arrived in Philadelphia, PA.

    Pennsylvania

Apr
  • National

    US Congress abolished slavery in Washington, D.C., with financial compensation to former slaveholders.

04 Apr

  • Union Army of the Potomac arrived in the Chesapeake Bay area and started heading toward Richmond.

    Virginia

05 Apr

  • Augusta citizens met in Staunton to organize companies of "Free-Fighters," that will defend the Valley from invaders.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Seige of Yorktown, VA, began.

    Virginia

06 Apr
  • National

    Battle of Shiloh, near Pittsburg Landing, TN, began.

07 Apr

  • 77th PA participated in Union assault on Pittsburg Landing at Shiloh.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Apr

  • Spectator reprints ordinance submitted by Mayor Trout which would impose a fine of $2-$20 on persons found trespassing or vandalizing the Thornrose Cemetery.

    Augusta County, VA

09 Apr

  • Rev. J.H. Thomas, chaplain of 77th PA, visited soldiers' families in Franklin.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Apr

  • Military recruiting stations in Chambersburg closed by order of the US War Dept.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Apr

  • County Democrats held meeting in offices of Valley Spirit to select delegates for the state convention. County court session commenced.

    Franklin County, PA

Apr

  • Staunton holds its local elections.

    Augusta County, VA

16 Apr
  • National

    Confederacy passes 1st American conscription law.

22 Apr

  • Spectator suspends publication and was not reissued until Oct. 5, 1862.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Dr. George Keyser of Pittsburg discusses the benefits of Lindsay's Blood Searcher for curing cancer and diseases of the skin.

    Franklin County, PA

25 Apr
  • National

    Surrender of New Orleans, LA to Union forces.

26 Apr

  • Peddler's wagon robbed at the Franklin Hotel.

    Franklin County, PA

01 May

  • State committee of the People's Party met. Festival began at Franklin Hall to benefit the Brass Band.

    Franklin County, PA

04 May

  • Confederates under Gen. Magruder evacuated Yorktown, VA.

    Virginia

05 May

  • Bells rung throughout Chambersburg in honor of Gen. McClellan's victory in Yorktown, VA.

    Franklin County, PA

07 May

  • Stonewall Jackson's men arrive in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Franklin County Teacher's Institute held meetings in Strasburg.

    Franklin County, PA

08 May

  • Jackson's men defeated Union forces in McDowell.

    Virginia

10 May

  • Union forces under Gen. Wood occupied Norfolk, VA.

    Virginia

11 May

  • Crew of Confederate ironclad, Merrimack, destroyed it during evacuation of Norfolk, VA.

    Virginia

12 May

  • PA reserves dispatched to western branch of the coal region in response to miner's strike.

    Virginia

13 May

  • Farmer's & Mechanic's Industrial Association of Franklin County elected new officers.

    Franklin County, PA

14 May

  • Union army stops 6 miles short of Richmond.

    Virginia

20 May
  • National

    Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, giving 160 acres of public land to western settlers after 5 years residence on their claim.

21 May
  • National

    District of Columbia provided for the education of African-American children.

24 May

  • Battle of Hanover Court House, VA.

    Virginia

26 May

  • Chambersburg residents formed new companies of volunteers upon hearing of Confederate defeat near Front Royal, VA. Over 100 contraband slaves arrived in Franklin and settled in Wolffstown.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Gov. Curtin calls PA men to arms.

    Pennsylvania

27 May

  • Citizens gathered at courthouse to devise plans to care for sick and wounded soldiers. County Democratic Committee held meeting at Montgomery's Hotel to select delegates for state convention.

    Franklin County, PA

31 May

  • Twin battles of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, VA, begin and continue through June 1.

    Virginia

Jun

  • Hope Fire Co. met to select officers.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    US Congress banned slavery in the western territories, without compensation to former slaveholders.

01 Jun

  • Gen. Robert E. Lee appointed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia.

    Virginia

  • Rev. Samuel Spreecher, formerly of Chambersburg, spoke at the Lutheran Church.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Jun

  • Carlisle Presbytery met in Presbyterian Church in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Jun

  • Battle of Cross Keys, VA.

    Virginia

09 Jun

  • Battle of Port Republic, VA.

    Virginia

14 Jun

  • Franklin Railway House struck by lightning.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Jun

  • 400 Confederate prisoners passed through Chambersburg on special train heading for Camp Curtin.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Jun
  • National

    United States forever forbid slavery in the western territories.

24 Jun

  • More Confederate prisoners passed through Chambersburg on way to Camp Curtin.

    Franklin County, PA

26 Jun

  • Chambersburg Female Seminary gave a Grand Vocal & Instrumental Concert in Franklin Hall.

    Franklin County, PA

26 Jun

  • Seven Days Campaign began, pushing Union forces away from Richmond. Battle of Mechanicsville, VA.

    Virginia

27 Jun

  • Battle of Gaines's Mill, VA, began.

    Virginia

29 Jun

  • Battle of Savages's Station, VA.

    Virginia

30 Jun

  • Battle of Glendale, VA. Battle of Frazier's Farm, VA.

    Virginia

Jul

  • Counterfeit notes of the Bank of Chambersburg found in circulation.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Jul

  • Battle of Malvern Hill, VA.

    Virginia

  • National

    Internal Revenue Office created. Lincoln issued call for 600,000 additional volunteers & signed bill incorporating the Union Pacific Company.

02 Jul

  • Commencement of the Young Ladies' Seminary held in Franklin Hall.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Morrill Act signed by Abraham Lincoln.

03 Jul

  • George Washington Masonic Lodge met & passed a resolution in honor of deceased member, Hezekiah Easton.

    Franklin County, PA

04 Jul

  • Democratic State Convention held in Harrisburg to select candidates for auditor general & surveyor general.

    Pennsylvania

08 Jul

  • Medical board arrived in Harrisburg to examine candidates for surgical posts in the army.

    Pennsylvania

11 Jul
  • National

    Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck named commander of the Union armies by Lincoln.

12 Jul
  • National

    Congress authorized the Medal of Honor for noncommissioned Army officers and privates who exhibited supreme gallantry in action.

14 Jul

  • Maj. Gen. John Pope took command of the Army of Virginia.

    Virginia

  • National

    US Congress passed act raising tariff duties temporarily.

Jul

  • 50 Franklin men signed up for a new company being formed. The Columbus Lodge of Odd Fellows met & devised plans to raise money for sick & wounded soldiers.

    Franklin County, PA

16 Jul

  • Sheriff begins arresting suspects in connection with a Chambersburg counterfeit ring.

    Franklin County, PA

17 Jul
  • National

    Congress authorized use of postage as currency to supply the deficiency in small change.

19 Jul

  • "Deserter" stabbed an unidentified man near Waynesboro.

    Franklin County, PA

21 Jul

  • Gov. Curtin called for 21 new regiments from PA, including 5 from Franklin.

    Pennsylvania

22 Jul
  • National

    Lincoln informs his cabinet his intentions to issue an emancipation proclamation.

23 Jul

  • Citizens met at the courthouse to devise plans for raising Franklin's quota of troops.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Gen. Pope ordered to arrest all disloyal citizens within the limits of his command.

25 Jul

  • Columbus Lodge of the International Order of Odd Fellows gave $25 to the Ladies Aid Society.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Lincoln notified Confederates of the provisions of the Confiscation Act.

Jul

  • Board of County Commissioners voted to pay a bounty of $50 to each volunteer.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Aug
  • National

    Confederate Govt. issued order declaring Gen. Pope & his officers not entitled to prisoner-of-war status.

02 Aug

  • Fayetteville Union Sabbath School held annual picnic at Heintzleman's woods.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Aug

  • Lutheran Church collected $300 for sick & wounded soldiers.

    Franklin County, PA

04 Aug

  • Newly formed Chambers Infantry left Chambersburg for Camp Curtin.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    US called 300,000 men to serve for 9 months.

05 Aug

  • Ladies Aid Society held benefit concert in Franklin Hall for sick and wounded soldiers.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Baton Rouge, LA.

06 Aug
  • National

    Habeas Corpus suspended by Lincoln.

09 Aug

  • 5th VA Infantry fights at Cedar Mountain.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Cedar Mountain.

    Virginia

16 Aug

  • Harrison's Landing evacuated by Army of the Potomac.

    Virginia

18 Aug
  • National

    Sioux uprising began, led by Chief Little Crow.

19 Aug
  • National

    US forms Dept. of Ohio.

25 Aug
  • National

    US Military Gov. of SC sea islands ordered to enlist black volunteers as soldiers.

28 Aug
  • National

    Bureau of Engraving & Printing created to design & print financial papers of the Federal Govt.

28 Aug

  • 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery begin to fight at Second Manassas.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Second Battle of Manassas.

    Virginia

Sep

  • John Snyder badly injured by a bull just outside Mercersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Sep

  • Battle of Chantilly, VA.

    Virginia

02 Sep
  • National

    Gen. McClellan placed in command of the troops defending Washington, D.C. Martial law declared in Cincinnati, OH.

04 Sep

  • Draft quotas announced, Franklin told to raise 2,485 troops.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Confederate forces under Gen. Lee began crossing Potomac River into MD.

08 Sep

  • Representatives from Franklin & Fulton counties met to nominate Democratic candidates for the assembly.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Gen. Lee issued a proclamation upon entering MD.

09 Sep

  • Draft commissioners begin hearing local applications for draft exemptions. Democrats selected slate of candidates for county elections.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Sep

  • Business suspended & martial law declared in Chambersburg after rumors surfaced of an enemy invasion into the North.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Sep
  • National

    Battle of South Mountain, MD.

15 Sep

  • Gen. Jackson captured Union arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA

    Virginia

  • Train arrived in Chambersburg carrying 50 to 60 Confederate prisoners, including a Franklin County man.

    Franklin County, PA

Sep

  • 2nd & 3rd floors of Franklin Hall converted into a hospital for sick & wounded soldiers.

    Franklin County, PA

17 Sep

  • 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery fight at Antietam.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Democratic County Convention passed resolution reaffirming their support for the Crittenden Compromise of 1861. No Valley Spirit published due to Confederate invasion.

    Franklin County, PA

  • PA state Democrats meet to celebrate anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

    Pennsylvania

  • National

    Battle of Antietam near Sharpsburg, MD.

18 Sep
  • National

    Confederates begin retreat back to VA.

20 Sep

  • Draft postponed until today to give Franklin men additional time to fill draft quotas.

    Franklin County, PA

22 Sep
  • National

    Lincoln issued Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

23 Sep
  • National

    Sioux badly defeated by Col. Henry Sibley at Wood Lake, Minnesota.

26 Sep

  • Empty freight train collided with a train carrying 20th PA Militia near Harrisburg Bridge.

    Pennsylvania

30 Sep
  • National

    Retaliatory resolutions introduced into Confederate Congress in response to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Oct

  • Samuel Price & Rev. John Brown, citizens of Augusta, captured at Charleston, WV.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Rev. Edward McKee, former pastor of Catholic congregation of Chambersburg, appointed chaplain of 116th PA.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Oct
  • National

    Battle of Corinth, MS, begins.

04 Oct

  • Edward McPherson presented a flag made by the ladies of Waynesboro for the 126th PA.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Oct

  • Spectator reports that over 100 local soldiers have died in the war thus far. Thousands of soldiers wounded at Antietam continue to arrive in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

08 Oct
  • National

    Battle of Perryville, KY.

10 Oct

  • Confederate troops raided Mercersburg, burned buildings and caused the surrender of the town.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Oct

  • Gen. Wood assumed command of PA troops at Harrisburg.

    Pennsylvania

14 Oct

  • In a letter to the Spectator, "A Farmer" urges Augusta citizens to revive soldiers' aid societies.

    Augusta County, VA

15 Oct

  • General Synod of the German Reformed Church met in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

18 Oct
  • National

    Confederate prisoners at Palmyra, Missouri shot by order of Gen. McNeil.

28 Oct

  • Day of Thanksgiving in PA, by order of Gov. Curtin.

    Pennsylvania

Nov

  • Officers opened recruiting station in Chambersburg. Draftees camp on farm of Mr. Harcleroad, 2.5 miles south of Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

02 Nov

  • Buglar breaks into grocery store owned by Samuel Hartley of Staunton, stealing 50 lbs. of sugar, $10, Hartley's coat, and some brooms.

    Augusta County, VA

03 Nov

  • William S. Stenger sworn in as attorney general for Franklin.

    Franklin County, PA

04 Nov

  • Spectator reports that smallpox has appeared in Augusta.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Gatlin gun, designed by Richard Gatlin, patented.

06 Nov

  • Over 200 Union prisoners pass through Staunton on their way to prison in Richmond.

    Augusta County, VA

09 Nov

  • Man arrested in connection with production of counterfeit Chambersburg Bank notes.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Nov

  • Spectator complains that only 2 people have responded to call for donation of $50 to aid the poor of Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

17 Nov

  • Half session of the Chambersburg Young Ladies' Seminary commenced. Samuel Brandt commissioned as sheriff of Franklin.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Jefferson Davis ordered retaliation for the execution of 10 Confederates in Missouri.

18 Nov

  • False rumor of a Confederate raid spread through Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Nov

  • Franklin County Education Association held meetings.

    Franklin County, PA

25 Nov

  • Orphan's Court opened session.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Nov

  • Gov. Curtin declared this a day of thanksgiving.

    Pennsylvania

Nov
Dec

  • Men drafted in Franklin formed into 158th PA.

    Franklin County, PA

02 Dec
05 Dec

  • Jacob Plough of Green Township showed off a cow weighing 1,800 lbs. to onlookers in the public square.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Dec
  • National

    Battle of Prairie Grove, AR.

11 Dec

  • 120 wounded soldiers transferred from Chambersburg hospitals to Philadelphia.

    Franklin County, PA

13 Dec

  • 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery fought at Fredericksburg.

    Augusta County, VA

  • 1st Battle of Fredericksburg, VA.

    Virginia

  • 126th PA fought at Fredericksburg.

    Franklin County, PA

Dec

  • Col. Charles Campbell of 57th PA & Col. F.S. Stumbaugh of 77th PA rewarded for bravery with brigadier's commissions.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Dec
16 Dec
  • National

    Gen. Banks assumed command of the Dept. of the Gulf.

17 Dec
  • National

    Gen. Grant expelled Jews from his department.

18 Dec
23 Dec

  • Proclamation issued by Jefferson Davis ordering military retaliation against Gen. Benjamin Butler.

    Pennsylvania

25 Dec

  • Lutheran Congregation of Chmabersburg presented new clothing to its pastor and his wife. Barn of John Sollenberger, near Mount Alto, consumed by fire.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Dec

  • Slaves sold at auction in Greenville, Augusta County, at high prices, prompting Spectator to argue that slavery is stronger than ever.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Straw house & sheds belonging to Mr. Lambert & Mr. Huber consumed by fire.

    Franklin County, PA

30 Dec
31 Dec
  • National

    Union ironclad Monitor sank in a gale off Cape hatteras, NC. Battle of Mufreesboro, TN.

1863

1864

1865

1866

1867