![]() The transformation caused by the Civil War in Virginia reverberated throughout the decades and still resonates today. When Richmond fell in April 1865, retreating Confederate troops set fire to supplies left behind, destroying property as well as state and local records. Union troops occupied large sections of eastern and northern Virginia. In 1863, forty-eight northwestern Unionist counties seceded from Virginia to create West Virginia. With the capitals of the Confederacy and the Union only 100 miles apart, Virginia became the major battleground of the American Civil War.įour years of war ended the institution of slavery, altered the Virginia landscape, displaced families, and cost thousands their lives. Virginia was the largest state in population and industrial capacity to join the Confederacy, which soon moved its capital to Richmond. On May 23, 1861, voters ratified Virginia's secession from the United States. A newspaper today could do a story on the Battle of Gettysburg, but because it is so far removed from the event, it wouldn't be considered a primary source.Dix, John Ross. A newspaper article that recounts the events of the Battle of Gettysburg would be a primary source if it was printed in July of 1863, which is when the battle occurred. Primary sources are almost always produced in the time period you are researching.įor example, newspaper articles can be both primary and secondary sources.
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