York County’s Democratic congressman, Joseph Bailey, voted against recruiting black soldiers. He later supported President Lincoln’s war efforts.
Civil War people Archives
The leading newspaper in York PA strongly supported the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law and chastised the governor for obstructing it after the Christiana Riot.
In 1892, York historian George R. Prowell interviewed ex-Confederate General Jubal A. Early at his house in Lynchburg, VA, to discuss the ransom of York PA.
A Rebel soldier who fought at Gettysburg later designed and sculpted the impressive Irish Brigade Monument. William O’Donovan had a connection to York PA.
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.
Teenager John H. Shearer bravely protected the vital telegraph instrument at Hanover Junction when the Rebels attacked during the Gettysburg Campaign.
The grave of a Yorker, George B. Berry of the 10th US Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers”, is among the sites being restored and marked in Lebanon Cemetery.
Dr. Israel H. Betz in 1907 wrote his memories of the Fishing Creek Valley region in northeastern York County PA during the Civil War.