Collections : [Alexandria Library]

Alexandria Library

Alexandria Library
Local History/Special Collections
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Primary Collecting Areas:
Alexandria history, Virginia history, Genealogy, U.S. Civil War
Description:
As one of the core research institutions in Alexandria, the Local History and Special Collections Branch (LHSC) is focused on documenting Alexandria from its colonial era to its modern life as a vibrant community of immigrants and cultural attractions.
POC: Patricia Walker, Branch Manager
Phone: (703) 746-1719
Phone: (703) 838-4577
Fax: (703) 706-3912
Start Over Repository Alexandria Library Collection Henry B. Whittington Diary (MS011)
Alexandria Library

Henry B. Whittington Diary (MS011)

.316 Cubic Feet 1 card box

The diary begins on the date of Federal occupation of Alexandria by Union troops, May 24, 1861. Entries describe events related to the Civil War, the occupying troops, and attitudes of the local populace. There is rich detail regarding personnel of the ever-changing occupying force, its disruption of local affairs, and response of the citizens. Local and national events such as major battles, skirmishes, and political occurrences are vividly described. References to persons important to the history of Alexandria and the country for that period are frequent. Sectional opinion of the period toward issues such as slavery, contrabands, and emancipation are also present. Relevant newspaper clippings cut by Whittington are included in Folio 3. The diary ends on April 22, 1865.

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