Through The Ancestry Looking Glass

A Snapshot of the American Civil War’s History

Can you imagine a conflict so intense that it pitted brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor? As we reflect on the Civil War, we often wonder how such a devastating event could occur. Have we truly learned from history’s lessons?

This blog delves into a brief history of the Civil War, but more importantly, how to find hidden records that reveal your ancestors’ involvement in the war. Let’s uncover the stories and insights that shaped our nation and connect with our past in meaningful ways.

Let’s dive into the epic saga that shaped America. The U.S. Civil War, raging from 1861 to 1865, was a monstrous clash that redefined the nation. It all kicked off due to deep-seated tensions over slavery, states’ rights, and economic divides. Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 election, opposing the spread of slavery, spurred 11 Southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America. The fiery showdown began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861. For the next four years, the battlefield was a relentless arena of bloodshed and turmoil, especially in the South. The war’s crescendo came with Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. This seismic struggle preserved the Union, abolished slavery, and laid the foundation for America’s reconstruction and growth.

The Great Paper Chase: How Civil War Records Vanished

During the Civil War, many records were lost due to a variety of factors:¹²

1. Enemy Actions: Both Union and Confederate forces seized, damaged, or destroyed public archives and government records during military campaigns.
2. Evacuation: To protect important documents, state officials often evacuated records, sometimes moving them across state lines.
3. Courthouse Fires: Several courthouses were burned, either intentionally or accidentally, resulting in the loss of countless records.
4. Neglect and Damage: The chaos of war led to the neglect and physical damage of records, making preservation difficult.
5. Natural Disasters: Fires, floods, and other natural disasters also contributed to the loss of records during this tumultuous period.

These losses have made it challenging for historians and genealogists to piece together the full story of the Civil War era. If you’re researching this period, it’s important to look for alternative sources and repositories that might hold surviving records.

To dive into Civil War records, the go-to source is the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Here, you’ll find treasures like Compiled Military Service Records (CMSRs) and pension files for Civil War soldiers. You can embark on this research adventure in person at the National Archives building in Washington, D.C., or conveniently order copies of records online or by mail.

Researching the FamilySearch Wiki, Cindi’s List, Ancestry Catalog, and Fold3 is a great starting point for uncovering which records were lost during the Civil War and which ones survived. These resources can help you determine the years affected and identify the invaluable documents that are still available for family history research.

When you’re ready to dig into Civil War records, these collections are a fantastic starting point. But don’t stop there! State archives and genealogical associations often hold a wealth of historical records and helpful aids that can uncover more about your ancestors’ lives and legacies.

On-line Finding Aides

• 1840-1883 U.S., Confederate Army Payrolls for Enslaved Labor, 1840-1883 at Ancestry  ($)
• 1861-1865 United States, Official Army Register 1861-1865 at Findmypast  ($)
• 1861-1865 U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861 – 1865 at MyHeritage ($)
• Service Records of Confederate Soldiers at MyHeritage – index
• 1861-1865 U.S., Confederate Officers Card Index, 1861-1865 at Ancestry
• Resources by state: FamilySearch Catalog https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results

As we wrap up this journey through the annals of the U.S. Civil War, it’s clear that these historical records are more than mere documents—they’re keys to unlocking our ancestral stories and understanding the profound impacts of this monumental conflict. By delving into archives, both national and local, we can uncover the bravery, struggles, and legacies of those who came before us. So, grab your magnifying glass and embark on this genealogical adventure. Who knows what hidden tales you’ll unearth about your family’s past? Here’s to preserving our history and honoring the memory of those who shaped it.

Completing the Legacy: Final Insights into WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and Korean Records

Tomorrow marks the grand finale of our series! Join us as we delve into records from WWI and WWII, uncovering the stories of those who served. We’ll also provide a brief overview of records from the Vietnam and Korean wars. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore and honor our military history. See you then and happy researching!