Exploring the Civil War

The Civil War began on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter in South Carolina; what followed were the bloodiest four years in American history.

West Virginians have a special interest in the Civil War - it was, after all, when the state was created - and Kanawha County Public Library's collection reflects that interest. But with so much material available, where to begin? Let this reading map guide you:

• You're looking for more than battle histories...try Letters and Diaries
• You want to find more about that highway marker you drive by every day...try The War in (West) Virginia
• You want to share a bit of history with a youngster in your life...try Books for Children
• You want to watch the battle unfold...try Battle by Battle

This reading map can be used as a companion to our Abraham Lincoln reading map. Whichever path you choose, you can always explore the Civil War at the Kanawha County Public Library.