Civilians

At the heart of this collection is the experience of non-combatants in the Confederacy. What was it like to be in Richmond during its evacuation or in Vicksburg during the siege? Better yet, what was it like in the Confederacy for people living away from the fighting? How did daily life change in places like Virginia, Alabama, or Arkansas? Often historians focus on the battles, the politics, or famous leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, or Robert E. Lee, but the disruption of the war affected every aspect of life for those in and around this conflict.

The sources in our collection reveal a stunning glimpse into the hardships and victories experienced by civilians. Whether it was taking refuge from the war, the economic toll it took on merchants, the loss of family members, lack of supplies, transformation of daily routines, or a reuniting with a loved one, the items in this collection illuminate what life was like for civilians during the war, both in big historical moments or the grind of everyday tasks.