1865 was a pivotal year in American history. With the end of the Civil War, Lincoln’s assassination, and the beginning of Reconstruction, politics were forever changed. Lives were changed too.

In this document display on view at HSP from March 17 through May 1, we showcase eye-witness accounts of these major events that helped soldiers and the formerly enslaved readjust to a new American political landscape. Please click the link below for the complete transcriptions of several of the items featured in the display.