On April 21, 1865, the funeral train bearing the body of assassinated President Abraham Lincoln passed through York County, PA, enroute to Harrisburg.
Civilians Archives
Here are ten misconceptions about York County, PA, during the Civil War. Author and lecturer Scott Mingus answers readers’ questions.
Two major traveling circuses came to York PA in the spring of 1865 at the close of the American Civil War. Children got in for a quarter.
Wrightsville’s schools and factories closed on Dec. 14, 1917, as the governor of Pennsylvania dedicated four Civil War cannon. “Farthest east.”
After the Civil War, PA residents could file border claims for the damages inflicted by the Confederate or Union soldiers, including stolen horses. More than 800 York Countians filed such claims. None received a dime from the commonwealth.
Many accounts exist as to the fate of York’s massive flag hauled down by the Rebels during the Gettysburg Campaign. Here’s one eyewitness’s reminiscences.
The leading newspaper in York PA strongly supported the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law and chastised the governor for obstructing it after the Christiana Riot.
West Manheim Twp. residents hid their horses in Horse Thief Lane during the Civil War to protect them from Jeb Stuart. Richard Resh has located the site.
The controversial 1842 Supreme Court decision in the Prigg vs. Pennsylvania legal case was a spark on the path to civil war. It had York County roots.
York PA preacher Rev. Thomas Street gave a fiery sermon in Nov. 1863 after President Lincoln asked for a national day of thanksgiving.