Valley of the Shadow

Virginia

Pennsylvania

1859

1860

1861

1862

1863

1864

Jan

  • Borough of Chambersburg announced it would pay $200 bounty to anyone who volunteers to fight. Lawrence Berger of Hamilton Township reported a 600 lb. hog.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Jan

  • Draft began in Franklin.

    Franklin County, PA

04 Jan

  • Old distillery on farm of Joseph C. Kennedy burned.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Jan

  • 3 slaves tried and convicted for stealing brandy, sentenced to 39 lashes.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Passenger train of Cumberland Valley Railroad had a car run off the track.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Jan

  • Lt. Carter Berkely began recruiting in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

12 Jan

  • John McGill asked ministers in Staunton to encourage donations of books to soldiers to help them pass the winter months.

    Augusta County, VA

13 Jan

  • Cumberland Valley Railroad issued its 29th annual report, which included assessments of damages from Confederate raids.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Democratic state central committee met in Philadelphia to set date for state convention.

    Pennsylvania

15 Jan

  • Drunken soldiers disrupted a performance in Franklin Hall by scholars of Franklin academy. Gov. Curtin spent evening in Chambersburg as guest of A.K. McClure.

    Franklin County, PA

Jan

  • Chambersburg Academy pupils gave performance in Franklin Hall to benefit the library.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Gov. Curtin gave annual address to state legislature, addressing how to deal with damage caused in Confederate raids.

    Pennsylvania

18 Jan

  • John Forney acquitted of fatal shooting of Lt. E.N. Ford. January court session adjourned early after only 1 judge could be found to hear cases.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Jan

  • Spectator printed letter asking authorities to turn their attention to deserters.

    Augusta County, VA

20 Jan

  • Capt. Ward of 11th PA Calvary reported to have recruited 50 men in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

21 Jan

  • Annual conference of United Brethern in Christ took place in Mechanicsburg.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Gov. Curtin calls for volunteers to fill the 2nd & 9th Army Corps.

    Pennsylvania

22 Jan

  • Capt. A.W. Garber of Staunton Artillery attempts to recruit 50 new volunteers in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

24 Jan

  • Mary Ann, a 20-year-old slave, ran away from her owner Jason C. Brown.

    Augusta County, VA

28 Jan
  • National

    US Congress awarded Cornelius Vanderbilt a gold medal for his gift of the ship Vanderbilt.

29 Jan

  • A fight broke out in front of the post office among troops stationed in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

Jan

  • Mount Rock School House in Southampton Township consumed by fire.

    Franklin County, PA

Feb

  • George White arrested & charged with aiding & abetting the enemy during the Confederate occupation of Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Feb
  • National

    Lincoln issued a call for 500,000 men for 3 years service.

02 Feb

  • Spectator expressed opposition to universal conscription because it would take farmers away from the fields, leading to a food shortage.

    Augusta County, VA

03 Feb

  • Green Township citizens informed authorities of their responsibility for educating "colored families of Africa" living in southern end of the township.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Feb
  • National

    Gen. Seymore led Union expedition into Florida to recapture the state.

09 Feb

  • A letter to the Spectator complains that many farmers refuse to take Confederate money for crops.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Many Union soldiers escaped Libby prison in Richmond, VA, by tunneling.

    Virginia

10 Feb

  • Valley Spirit complained about the drinking & rioting that accompanied soldiers returning to Chambersburg. Samuel Funk's stable destroyed by fire.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Feb

  • Lt. David Ream shot & killed an intoxicated Casper Phenenger near the Virginia Hotel in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

Feb

  • Calvary camp established 4 miles west of Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

  • PA Legislature considers bill to pay damages incurred by "loyal" citizens during Confederate raid into Franklin.

    Pennsylvania

16 Feb

  • Members of 25th VA Infantry thanked ladies of Staunton for sending package of socks & gloves.

    Augusta County, VA

17 Feb

  • Chimney of the Poor House caught on fire.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    1st successful submarine attack made by Confederate vessel Huntley.

18 Feb

  • Company D, 52nd VA Infantry expressed their determination to serve for the duration of the war.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Rev. J.R. Warner's lecture in Methodist church on battle of Gettysburg raised $75 for the Ladies Aid Society.

    Franklin County, PA

21 Feb

  • Company C, 52nd VA Infantry agreed to re-enlist for the duration of the war.

    Augusta County, VA

22 Feb

  • Customary enthusiasm for Washington's birthday not observed in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Tunnel Hill, GA, began.

24 Feb

  • The exhibition of the Tableaux Vivants, given in Union Hall, raised $1250 for Methodist Episcopal Church.

    Augusta County, VA

  • PA Legislature debated bill to pay residents of border counties for damages sustained during the war.

    Pennsylvania

25 Feb

  • Union soldiers reportedly robbed a black boy at a local train station.

    Franklin County, PA

26 Feb

  • County Democrats met & selected C.M. Duncan as delegate to state convention.

    Franklin County, PA

Mar

  • Levi Leidig charged with stealing money from United States paymaster.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Gov. Curtin urges men not to volunteer to fight for any state other than PA.

    Pennsylvania

01 Mar

  • Spectator expressed shock at recent report that 200 members of the Stonewall Brigade are without shoes or socks.

    Augusta County, VA

04 Mar

  • Fire destroyed main portion of Mrs. N.B Hughes's home.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Mar
  • National

    Confederates hung 23 Union prisoners-of-war at Kingston, NC.

07 Mar

  • A son of Jacob Wise fractured his arm while working on Herny Shearer's threshing machine.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Mar

  • Gen. Imboden tells Augusta farmers to feed cavalry horses, so the cavalry can protect their farms.

    Augusta County, VA

09 Mar

  • Jacob Helman killed when earth caved in at Bombarger's ore bank.

    Franklin County, PA

10 Mar
  • National

    Lincoln made Gen. Grant general-in-chief, replacing Gen. Halleck, & ordered draft for 500,000 men.

14 Mar
  • National

    Lincoln drafted 200,000 men for the navy.

15 Mar

  • Spectator reported that Bob, a 15-year-old slave of Margaret A. Crawford, built an exact replica of a railroad engine he saw in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Lincoln called for an additional 200,000 draftees.

Mar

  • The late Capt. Washington of Franklin honored with a memorial for his bravery at Vicksburg.

    Franklin County, PA

17 Mar
  • National

    US Congress passed an act to increase internal revenue.

18 Mar

  • Township elections held throughout Franklin County.

    Franklin County, PA

22 Mar

  • Capt. Avis advertises for recruits between 45 and 50 years old for the Provost Guard.

    Augusta County, VA

23 Mar

  • Chambersburg South Ward Democrats met at home of A.J. Bland. North War Democrats met at home of Mrs. Montgomery. Repository editors chastised Federal troops for destroying private property belonging to the enemy.

    Franklin County, PA

24 Mar

  • Democratic convention opened in Philadelphia. Delegates voted to support Gen. George B. McClellan for president.

    Pennsylvania

25 Mar

  • Vindicator's editor warns local farmers that unauthorized persons have been collecting army supplies.

    Augusta County, VA

30 Mar

  • Valley Spirit suggested that Chambersburg street lamps be left unlit when moon can provide sufficient light.

    Franklin County, PA

Apr

  • Mont Alto Iron Works sold for $200,000. Pente & Co.'s National Minstrel Troupe performed.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Apr

  • 3 snow storms hit Chambersburg over the next 2 weeks.

    Franklin County, PA

05 Apr

  • Spectator calls for punishment of local deserters. Angeline Sipes files for divorce from Henry F. Sipes.

    Augusta County, VA

08 Apr
  • National

    Battles of Sabine Cross-roads, Pleasant Hill, & Pleasant Grove began.

09 Apr

  • Professors Hockersmith & Snyder gave vocal music concert at Grindstone Hill Church.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Apr

  • 3 capital cases heard during April court session.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Apr

  • Charlie Marshall & Ned Lilly, members of Company F 5th VA Infantry, request that young women begin to correspond with them, with a view to matrimony.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Massacre of African-American Union troops after their surrender, killed by Confederates under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Apr

  • A. Jackson Brand sold Chambersburg Hotel to Jacob S. Brand for $5,800. Mr. & Mrs. Grayson, refugees from VA, reunited in Waynesboro.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Bill before PA Legislature proposes moving state capital from Harrisburg to Philadelphia.

    Pennsylvania

17 Apr
  • National

    Gen. Grant discontinued exchange of prisoners-of-war.

18 Apr

  • Morgan R. Bryan found guilty of manslaughter in death of Frank Jones.

    Franklin County, PA

20 Apr
  • National

    Food rations for Confederate prisoners reduced by US War Dept. in retaliation for mistreatment of Union prisoners.

21 Apr

  • 5 companies of Augusta reserves organize & elect officers.

    Augusta County, VA

22 Apr
  • National

    The motto "In God We Trust" 1st appeared on a coin.

23 Apr

  • House belonging to Henry Kresler, of Southhampton Township, robbed while family was at church. Union committee of Franklin County selected Col. F.S. Stumbaugh & John Rowe as delegates to Union State Convention.

    Franklin County, PA

25 Apr

  • Bill before PA Legislature would make cities, wards, & boroughs responsible for paying the bounties of volunteer soldiers.

    Pennsylvania

26 Apr

  • Ladies of Chambersburg met & decided to hold a fair to benefit the Christian Commission.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Apr

  • Repository reported that Franklin County was now required to provide another 584 men in the latest call for troops.

    Franklin County, PA

28 Apr

  • Union state convention held at Harrisburg.

    Pennsylvania

May

  • PA Legislature defeated a bill that would have relocated PA capital to Philadelphia.

    Augusta County, VA

01 May

  • Gen. Grant's Shenandoah Valley Campaign against Gen. Lee began.

    Virginia

02 May

  • Chambersburg borough elections held.

    Franklin County, PA

03 May

  • Local Augusta citizens form an association to provide artificial limbs for maimed soldiers of the Confederacy.

    Augusta County, VA

05 May

  • 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery fight in Battle of the Wilderness.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of the Wilderness began near Chancellorsville, VA.

    Virginia

  • Son of Henry Shearer died after a horse became scared & ran over him.

    Franklin County, PA

09 May

  • Farmers & Mechanics Industrial Association of Franklin County elected new officers & managers.

    Franklin County, PA

10 May

  • J.L. Timberlake offers a $150 reward for return of Davy, a slave who had been hired out to Maj. H.M. Bell, Quatermaster in Staunton. 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery began fighting at Spotsylvania Courthouse.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, began.

    Virginia

11 May

  • Gen. J.E.B. Stuart mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern, VA.

    Virginia

  • Franklin County Educational Association held its semi-annual meeting in Waynesboro.

    Franklin County, PA

12 May

  • Heaviest action of Battle of Spotsylvania.

    Virginia

13 May

  • Vindicator reports that a large number of soldiers wounded in recent battles are in Staunton hospital & are well supplied by the local women.

    Augusta County, VA

15 May

  • Battle of New Market, VA.

    Virginia

18 May

  • Repository donated $133.55 to the Christian Commission.

    Franklin County, PA

23 May

  • Special Court of Common Pleas session held in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

25 May

  • Six prisoners, including 1 African-American & 5 white deserters, armed themselves & escaped from a Chambersburg prison.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle near Dallas, GA.

26 May
  • National

    Territory of Montana formed by US Congress from Territory of Idaho.

31 May

  • 5th VA Infantry began fighting at Cold Harbor.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Cold Harbor began.

    Virginia

Jun

  • Chambersburg butchers raised the price of beef.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Jun

  • Both Staunton newspapers cease publishing until July 8.

    Augusta County, VA

03 Jun

  • 18 members of 21st PA wounded in fighting at Cold Harbor.

    Franklin County, PA

04 Jun

  • Chambersburg races opened.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Jun

  • Union troops under Gen. Sheridan raid Staunton & destroy, among other property, the offices of the Staunton Spectator.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Republican National Convention nominated Abraham Lincoln for president, & Andrew Johnson of TN for vice president.

08 Jun

  • Valley Spirit drew attention to the fact that privates in 21st PA have not been paid, while officers in the regiment regularly receive pay.

    Franklin County, PA

09 Jun

  • Union soldiers take 21 slaves from the Central Lunatic Asylum in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

10 Jun

  • A 19-year-old slave named Jack ran away from his master, John Keller, Jr.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    The Confederate Congress widens military age eligibility to men between 17 and 50 years old.

13 Jun

  • Friendship Fire Company elected new officers.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Jun

  • The James River Bridge, the longest (2100 ft.) pontoon bridge ever used in war, constructed in 8 hours by 450 Union engineers, extending from Windmill Point to Ft. Powhatan in VA.

    Virginia

  • Ladies' Fair held in Chambersburg & raised $3,000 to benefit the Christian Commission.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Jun

  • Seige and Battle of Petersburg, VA, began.

    Virginia

Jun

  • Ladies of Mercersburg collected $1000 for the Christian Commission.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Gov. Curtin pardons black soldier who shot & killed a white man at Camp William Penn last fall.

    Pennsylvania

17 Jun
  • National

    Over 600 Confederate conscripts near Atlanta deserted & fled the the Union lines.

27 Jun
  • National

    Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, GA.

28 Jun
  • National

    Fugitive Slave Law repealed.

30 Jun

  • Female Seminary pupils gave a concert to benefit the Christian Commission.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    US Congress passed new Internal Revenue Act that increased taxes on many items, including tobacco.

Jul

  • Chambersburg residents alarmed by indications that Confederate troops are moving down the Valley.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Jul
  • National

    Confederates evacuated Marietta, GA.

02 Jul

  • Confederate forces, under Gen. Early, moved down the Shenandoah to the Potomac, threatening Baltimore & Washington.

    Virginia

  • Michael Fitzpatrick lost a foot in a mower accident on Jonathan Strock's farm.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Jul

  • False rumors of a Confederate invasion circulated through Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Lincoln put forth in a proclamation his plan for reorganizing the disorganized state of the Union.

05 Jul

  • Jonathan Washinger robbed of $60 at the train depot.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Jul

  • Young Ladies Seminary gave a concert in Franklin Hall to benefit the Christian Commission. Jacob Foreman of Waynesboro lost his purse & $80.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Jul

  • Staunton Vindicator resumed publication, raised its subscription rate to $8 per year.

    Augusta County, VA

09 Jul
  • National

    Battle of Monocacy, MD.

12 Jul
  • National

    Confederate Gen. Early repulsed at Ft. Stevens, 5 miles from Washington, D.C.

14 Jul

  • The Augusta Medical Society met.

    Augusta County, VA

15 Jul

  • Richard Mauzy, of the Staunton Spectator, announced that the newspaper has been suspended because of the damages Union forces inflicted on the newspaper's office.

    Augusta County, VA

18 Jul
  • National

    Lincoln called for 500,000 more volunteers for the Union.

19 Jul

  • Gov. Curtin called for 12,00 more PA men to volunteer, including 349 from Franklin.

    Pennsylvania

20 Jul

  • Robinson's Metropolitan Circus arrived in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Peach Tree Creek, GA.

21 Jul

  • J.P. Gray's leg amputated following an altercation over a cow with an employee of Col. William H. Boyd.

    Franklin County, PA

22 Jul
  • National

    Battle of Atlanta, GA.

28 Jul
  • National

    Battle of Ezra's Church, GA.

29 Jul
30 Jul

  • Confederate forces raided Chambersburg and torched the town.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    US Gen. Burnside conducted an unsuccessful mine explosion under a Confederate fort near Petersburg, VA.

Jul

  • Augusta farmers & citizens met at courthouse to protest against recently adopted schedule of prices which they claim is unfair.

    Augusta County, VA

05 Aug

  • Henry, a slave owned by Michael G. Harman, ran away.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Battle of Mobile Bay, AL, began.

09 Aug

  • The Reserves of the Valley district assemble, organize into 5 battalions, & elect their commanding officers.

    Augusta County, VA

10 Aug
  • National

    Gen. Lee issued General Order Number 54, which called for the return of all absentee soldiers.

12 Aug
14 Aug

  • Tom, a 19-year-old slave, ran away from David D. Koiner, who then offered a $200 reward for Tom's capture.

    Augusta County, VA

18 Aug
  • National

    Gen. Grant seized the Weldon Railroad.

24 Aug

  • 400 to 500 Union prisoners captured near Winchester arrived in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

25 Aug

  • 201st PA arrived in Chambersburg for border defense.

    Franklin County, PA

26 Aug

  • Vindicator reprints an article which explains that Chambersburg, PA, was burned in retaliation for Union raids in VA.

    Augusta County, VA

29 Aug

  • Union Congressional Conference met to nominate candidates. Valley Spirit resumed publishing.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Democratic National Convention nominated Gen. George B. McClellan for president and George H. Pendleton for vice president.

30 Aug

  • Democrats held a convention in the Public School House in Chambersburg & nominated candidates for Congress.

    Franklin County, PA

31 Aug

  • Repository asked for donations of back issues of the newspaper. Rev. Torrence announced that anyone who lost a family bible in the Confederate raid should report to Rev. Dyson & receive a new one.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Jonesborough, GA, began.

Sep

  • Grand Masonic Lodge of PA donated $2000 to assist the suffering members of the Chambersburg Masonic Lodge. The 2 remaining church bells at the German Reformed & Lutheran churches rung in celebration of Union victories at Atlanta, GA, & Mobile, AL.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Sep
  • National

    Confederate forces, under Gen. Hood, evacuated Atlanta, GA.

02 Sep
  • National

    Union forces, under Gen. Sherman, occupied Atlanta, GA.

03 Sep

  • William, a slave owned by John Myers of Churchville, ran away.

    Augusta County, VA

07 Sep

  • Reported that volunteer enlistments were increasing in the county.

    Franklin County, PA

10 Sep

  • Accident on the PA railroad 1.5 miles west of Latrobe resulted in 3 deaths & the destruction of 6 cattle cars.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Sep

  • Democratic conferees in 16th Congressional district nominated A.H. Coffroth for US Congress & F.M. Kimmel for president judge.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Sep

  • Wesleyan Female Collegiate Institute opened its fall session.

    Augusta County, VA

Sep

  • Union meeting in Waynesboro disrupted by Democrats throwing tomatoes. Democratic meeting disrupted by egg throwers.

    Franklin County, PA

17 Sep

  • Local Democrats voted to hold a debate with local Republicans.

    Franklin County, PA

18 Sep

  • Member of 202nd PA tried to escape from jail, but fell & injured himself instead.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Sep

  • 5th VA Infantry & 52nd VA Infantry fought at Winchester, VA.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Opequan, near Winchester, VA.

    Virginia

  • 107th PA captured the battle flag of the 18th NC in the Battle of Weldon Railroad.

    Franklin County, PA

21 Sep

  • Valley Spirit accused the Repository of discouraging men from enlisting.

    Franklin County, PA

22 Sep

  • 5th VA Infantry & 52nd VA Infantry fought at Fisher's Hill.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Fisher's Hill, VA.

    Virginia

27 Sep

  • Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society held its fair in Easton.

    Franklin County, PA

Sep

  • Rev. Dr. Schneck published a short book telling the story of the burning of Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

Oct

  • Union forces under Gen. Sheridan raid Augusta as part of their campaign to make the Valley a "barren waste."

    Augusta County, VA

  • PA Democrats swept the October state & local elections.

    Pennsylvania

04 Oct

  • Orphan's Court met.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Oct

  • Republican meeting held in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Battle of Allatoona Pass, GA.

07 Oct

  • George Freeman, a 23-year-old slave owned by John Sanderson, ran away near Jennings Gap.

    Augusta County, VA

11 Oct

  • Thomas J. Michie lost his third son in the war, John C. Michie.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Members of 21 PA Calvary presented a sword to their captain, Henry C. Phenicie. General election held.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Oct

  • Valley Spirit accused the Repository editor of spying for the Confederacy.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Oct

  • $5,200,000 subscribed to the stock of the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad.

    Franklin County, PA

18 Oct

  • Democrat A.H. Coffroth elected to US Congress. Democrat J. McDowell Sharpe elected to PA state legislature.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Oct

  • 5th VA Infantry & 52nd VA Infantry began fighting at Battle of Cedar Creek.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Battle of Cedar Creek, VA.

    Virginia

  • National

    Lt. Young led a Confederate raid on St. Albans, VT.

20 Oct

  • 83 Union prisoners arrived in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

26 Oct

  • A group of cavalrymen accused Jacob Sweitzer of murder. Repository accused Democrats of election fraud.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Oct

  • Battle of Hatchers Run, VA.

    Virginia

31 Oct
  • National

    Nevada admitted to the Union as the 36th state.

04 Nov

  • Vindicator published an appeal from the Central Committee for more contributions to support refugee families from northwestern VA.

    Augusta County, VA

06 Nov

  • Confederate Gen. Mosby attacked workers on the Manassas Gap Railroad at Salem.

    Virginia

08 Nov

  • Lincoln won Franklin County by 41 votes.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Lincoln reelected president & Andrew Johnson elected vice president. Gen. McClellan resigned his commission in the US Army.

09 Nov

  • Mrs. William Snoke, wife of a prisoner in Richmond, VA, found dead after being poisoned by a drug intended to induce abortion. Valley Spirit accused election returns judges of tampering with results.

    Franklin County, PA

10 Nov

  • Samuel Miller wounded after his pistol accidentally discharged.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Nov

  • Chambersburg residents prepared for a second Confederate raid that never came.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Nov

  • Court session opened in the basement of the Methodist Church.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    US Gen. Sherman burned Atlanta, GA, and began his march to the sea.

Nov

  • Gold & silver stolen from Chambersburg last summer found on Confederate soldiers taken prisoner in OH.

    Franklin County, PA

16 Nov

  • Confederate day of public worship.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Valley Spirit lambasted Rev. F.W. Conrad for preaching abolitionist themes to local Lutheran congregation.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Nov
  • National

    Lincoln called for blockade of Norfolk, VA, & Fernandina and Pensacola, FL.

21 Nov

  • The Inspector of Conscription called for all persons in Augusta with exemptions to report by 12-05-1864 to have their papers examined.

    Augusta County, VA

23 Nov

  • Valley Spirit called on border counties to organize themselves, since the national and state governments did not seem to be helping them.

    Franklin County, PA

24 Nov

  • Pitman, a 15-year-old slave, ran away from Hugh W. Sheffey. The committee for the education of children of deceased & disabled soldiers met at the Baptist church in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Thanksgiving observed. Mercersburg residents gathered at the German Reformed Church to adopt plans for instituting a constitutional amendment to recognize the "distinctive character" of Christianity.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    The Army of the Potomac observed Thanksgiving Day.

25 Nov

  • W.J. Hopkins offered $100 reward for the return of his 21-year-old slave, Isham.

    Augusta County, VA

  • John Myers shot while being arrested by a group of Fayetteville citizens for stealing a horse.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Confederates attempted to burn New York City.

26 Nov

  • C.H. Forney appointed to the eldership of the Church of God representing Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Nov

  • 16-year-old Samuel Naugle shot & killed at the house of John Myers.

    Franklin County, PA

30 Nov
  • National

    Battle of Franklin, TN.

Dec
  • National

    Salmon P. Chase appointed chief justice of the US Supreme Court.

01 Dec

  • Bank of Chambersburg spotted new counterfeit one dollar bills.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Dec

  • Soldier shot to death in an ale shop in the eastern part of Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Dec

  • Children's Aid Society reported to be moving into nearby Shippensburg.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Dec

  • Valley Spirit raised its subscription price from $2.00 to $2.50 per year to account for rising cost of paper. General court martial took place at the Franklin Railroad Depot.

    Franklin County, PA

09 Dec

  • Vindicator reported that Gen. R.D. Lilley has been assigned to command the reserve forces in the Valley.

    Augusta County, VA

12 Dec

  • H.H. Peck advertises that he has 4 black women and girls for sale.

    Augusta County, VA

13 Dec
  • National

    Hazen's Divison of Gen. Sherman's army captured Ft. McAllister at Savannah, GA.

15 Dec
  • National

    Gen. Thomas defeated Confederates under Gen. Hood at Nashville, TN.

Dec

  • Attorney General decided that neither candidate in the 16th Congressional district won the race legally & referred the matter to the US Congress.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Dec
  • National

    Lincoln called for 300,000 volunteers.

21 Dec

  • Gen. Rosser launched an attack at Melrose, 5 miles below Harrisonburg. Students from the Augusta Female Seminary performed for local citizens.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Confederates under Gen. Hardee evacuated Savannah, GA. US Gen. Sherman occupied Savannah, GA.

23 Dec

  • Vindicator reported that the Staunton Battery has returned home for the winter.

    Augusta County, VA

24 Dec
  • National

    Gen. Porter bombarded Ft. Fisher, NC.

25 Dec
  • National

    US Generals Butler & Porter unsuccessfully attacked Ft. Fisher, NC.

28 Dec

  • Valley Spirit condemned those who charged high rents following the Chambersburg fire.

    Franklin County, PA

1865

1866

1867