| Dates | Augusta County, VA | Franklin County, PA | Virginia | Pennsylvania | National |
| 01-1860 | John Letcher inaugurated as governor. | PA emerged as industrial power, producing more than half nation's iron. | US Census recorded a population of 31,443,321. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin published. | ||
| 01-06-1860 | Local military companies met to discuss possibility of raising a regiment. | ||||
| 01-09-1860 | Chambers Artillery paraded in full dress uniform through streets of town to commemorate Battle of New Orleans. | ||||
| 01-11-1860 | Board of Directors for Central Bank of VA elected by stockholders. | ||||
| 01-14-1860 | Partial meeting of volunteer companies of Augusta County. | ||||
| 01-17-1860 | Placement orders given for local militia units. | ||||
| 01-24-1860 | Over following week, Board of Visitors for VA Institute for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind appointed by Gov. Letcher, including J.H. Skinner, W.H. Harman, and George Baylor of Staunton. | ||||
| 01-27-1860 | Rev. G.G. Brooke leading "extraordinary revival" among Methodists. | House of Delegates debated bill to appropriate $500,000 to arm state. | |||
| 01-29-1860 | Military parade of "Wags" (West Augusta Guards) led by Capt. Baylor. | ||||
| 02-1860 | US Sen. Jefferson Davis introduced bill to prohibit restrictions on slavery. | ||||
| 02-01-1860 | Town Council approved plan to extend boundaries of Staunton and sent plan to General Assembly for approval. | Lewis Weiser, employee at J. Heyser's Straw Paper Manufactory, fell into vat of boiling liquid; eventually died on February 7 from horrible scalding. | |||
| 02-02-1860 | Republican William Pennington elected Speaker of the House after 2 months of debate. | ||||
| 02-07-1860 | Convicted murderer Harrison Parrott escaped from custody with another convict and hid in mountains near Covington before being recaptured 1 week later. | ||||
| 02-09-1860 | Staunton Musical Association, consisting of Turner's Silver Cornet Band, Orchestra, and Glee Club, performed at Union Hall in Staunton. | ||||
| 02-15-1860 | Prayer meetings held at state legislature, organized by Col. James C. Austin. | Wheaton College chartered as Illinois Institute in Wheaton, IL. | |||
| 02-16-1860 | Ladies of Staunton held 2-day "Union Fair," proceeds of which were spent on improvement of Thornrose Cemetery. | ||||
| 02-22-1860 | Staunton's military companies, Staunton Artillery and West Augusta Guard, paraded and demonstrated maneuvers. | Shoemakers in Lynn, MA went on strike to gain higher wages and union recognition. | |||
| 02-27-1860 | Abraham Lincoln delivered address at Cooper Union, New York City, New York. | ||||
| 03-07-1860 | Sanford's Opera Troupe, a touring band of African-American minstrels from Philadelphia, performed in town. Rev. P.B. Reese left Methodist Episcopal Church after 2 years of ministry there. | ||||
| 03-12-1860 | Staunton Artillery paraded through streets of town for 3 hours. | ||||
| 03-16-1860 | Staunton Woolen Factory received more orders from VA militia companies. | Albert Hazlett and A.C. Stephens, participants in John Brown's raid, executed by hanging. | |||
| 03-20-1860 | Meeting held at Mossy Creek Academy to commemorate death of H. Jewett Smith of Harrisonburg. | Stephen's College chartered in Annandale, NY. | |||
| 03-21-1860 | A.J. White opened new store in town. | ||||
| 03-26-1860 | McCurdy, a young man from Bridgeport, killed Solomon Weiser during argument in Mercersburg drinking house. | ||||
| 03-27-1860 | Mr. Hunter of South Carolina gave first of his series of addresses to Sunday school children, their parents, and their friends at Lutheran Church in Staunton. Fire in Waynesboro destroyed a number of stables as well as some crops still in the fields. | ||||
| 03-30-1860 | Vindicator now owned and edited by Samuel M. Yost. | ||||
| 03-31-1860 | Worthington Smith Lodge met at Masonic Hall in Mt. Solon to pay tribute to Henry Blakeman. | ||||
| 04-1860 | Revival at church of United Brethren in Christ stretches through April and into early May. Early in month, Board of Directors named for local branch of Central Bank of VA, and new charter for institution accepted. | ||||
| 04-03-1860 | Lorenzo Sibert of Mt. Solon announced his invention of new gun called "Union Pacificator." | Chambersburg Town Council passed ordinance prohibiting riding of horses at dangerous speeds through square or streets. Violators to be fined anywhere from 5 to 50 dollars. | First relay of Pony Express mail service departed St. Joseph, Missouri. | ||
| 04-04-1860 | Montgomery and Stouffer opened new machine shop on Queen St. specializing in agricultural machinery. | ||||
| 04-06-1860 | Local citizens recently subscribed $20,000 to form Boot, Shoe and Leather Manufacturing Company, a tannery and manufacturing concern meant to avoid sending raw goods to North for processing. N.K. Trout re-elected mayor of Staunton. | ||||
| 04-10-1860 | During following week, Staunton Baptist Church appointed committee to arrange entertainment for Baptist General Association of Virginia, meeting in Staunton at end of May. | ||||
| 04-13-1860 | Democratic Convention of Augusta and Rockingham counties met in Harrisonburg to elect delegates to Charleston Convention. | First relay of Pony Express mail service arrived in Sacramento, California. | |||
| 04-14-1860 | At town meeting, people of Staunton voted to extend town limits; John F. Smith elected Commissioner of Revenue. | ||||
| 04-18-1860 | Captain Walker, Sheriff of Douglas Co., Kansas, visited Greencastle and was praised by editors of Franklin Repository as hero on front lines of free soil fight. | ||||
| 04-20-1860 | Both Staunton hotels, the Virginia and the American, expanding and renovating facilities. | ||||
| 04-23-1860 | Over next week and a half, Democratic National Convention met in Charleston, South Carolina. Southern delegates, outraged by popular sovereignty plank, walked out, and no nomination was made. | ||||
| 04-25-1860 | Chambersburg won court judgment preventing Council from restraining city growth. | ||||
| End of 04-1860 | McMullin (white) and Tom Caster (free black) jailed in Staunton and charged with breaking into meat house of Franklin Davis at Staunton Nurseries and stealing 400 pounds of bacon. Dr. F.T. Stribling and J. Alex Waddell named delegates to National Society of the Medical Association of VA. | ||||
| 05-1860 | State and county taxes collected during following weeks. | ||||
| 05-04-1860 | Allen Ewing, imprisoned for passing counterfeit money, broke out of jail by sawing through bars on his cell window. | ||||
| 05-09-1860 | Led by Alexander H.H. Stuart and other Unionist former Whigs, Constitutional Union Party nominated John Bell of Tennessee for Presidency. | ||||
| 05-10-1860 | US House of Representatives passed Morrill Tariff Bill. | ||||
| 05-14-1860 | Annual training of local military regiments began, giving Staunton "a decidedly military appearance." | ||||
| 05-15-1860 | Over following week, local militia units staged public displays of their military training in Spring Hill, Middlebrook, and Staunton; Turner's Silver Cornet Band entertained the gatherings with music. | ||||
| 05-16-1860 | Board of Directors of PA Railroad adopted resolutions against interfering with politics. | Over several days, Republican National Convention chose Lincoln over Seward to serve as presidential nominee. | |||
| 05-18-1860 | Wheat crop damaged throughout Augusta and Rockingham counties by recent frost; corn crop undamaged. Allen Ewing, who had previously escaped from prison, recaptured and reimprisoned. | Over several days, Mercersburg Classis (religious revival) met in German Reformed Church under leadership of Reverend B.S. Schneck of Chambersburg. | |||
| 05-23-1860 | Academy in Fannettsburg opened under direction of Rev. John C. Wilhelm. | ||||
| 05-25-1860 | Chambers Artillery staged night parade through town. | ||||
| 05-26-1860 | Mysterious pair of drifters, a German man and woman, arrived in Chambersburg with small child who did not appear to be theirs. Man and woman arrested for vagrancy and child left in Squire (Judge) Davison's care. | ||||
| 05-28-1860 | American Peace Society met without a quorum. | ||||
| 05-29-1860 | Musical Association of Staunton gave concert at Union Hall. | Military encampment held in Waynesboro for several days, attended by many area militia companies. | |||
| 05-31-1860 | During next several days, General Association of Baptist Church of VA met in Staunton; meeting attended by 375 delegates. | ||||
| Early 06-1860 | Methodists throughout region outraged by recent pronouncement of Methodist Episcopal General Conference that "the buying, selling, holding or using of human beings as chattels is contrary to the laws of God and nature." | ||||
| 06-01-1860 | Women of Presbyterian Church held annual fair at Union Hall. | Census takers began canvassing county to gather information for 1860 census. Company of long-time Mormon residents of county departed for Utah. Over next week, Dorothea L. Dix visited Chambersburg as guest of the Misses Chambers. | |||
| 06-02-1860 | Meeting held by Mountain Guard at Spring Hill to honor Dr. B.H. Kibler. | ||||
| 06-05-1860 | Horse broke free downtown and ran through show windows of Deckelmayer's Confectionery store, causing over $200 worth of damage. | ||||
| 06-06-1860 | Valley Spirit editor J. M. Cooper resigned over disagreements with Democratic National Convention. | ||||
| 06-07-1860 | James and Pryor Wood and Mary Sprouse arrested for murder of Benjamin Thacker. | ||||
| 06-09-1860 | Hope Fire Company staged parade through town, featuring their Engine, Suction, and Horse Carriage, and music by Mechanics' Brass Band. | ||||
| 06-10-1860 | Meeting of Staunton Masonic Lodge held in memory of James H. O'Brien. | ||||
| 06-11-1860 | Southern Democrats met at Richmond, VA and then adjourned, awaiting Baltimore Convention decision. | ||||
| 06-13-1860 | Outdoor religious service in Chambersburg drew audience of about 700. | ||||
| 06-15-1860 | Closing exercises held at Augusta Church ("Old Fort") with address delivered by Hugh Sheffey. Allen Ewing again recaptured after escaping from jail. | ||||
| 06-16-1860 | Meeting held for volunteer military company to be formed at West View. | ||||
| 06-17-1860 | Church dedication ceremony held in Sangersville. | Over next 10 days, Great Eastern sailed across Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage. | |||
| 06-18-1860 | Over next several days, Democratic Convention met again, this time without Southern Democrats, and nominated Stephen A. Douglas. | ||||
| 06-21-1860 | Loch Willow School held exhibitions for boys, under management of J. Hotchkiss and Mr. Grinnan, and girls, under Mrs. Hotchkiss. | ||||
| 06-22-1860 | Annual exhibition held by pupils of Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, with address by Rev. D.M. Gilbert. Comet visible in skies over Augusta County. Closing exercises held at Mossy Creek Academy. Allen Ewing convicted of passing counterfeit money and sentenced to life in prison. | Congress authorized loan of $21,000,000 to the government. | |||
| 06-23-1860 | "Junior Blues," a youth military company, held its first public parade. | Government Printing Office established. | |||
| 06-25-1860 | Meeting of Staunton Station Methodist Episcopal Church recommended that Baltimore Conference of M.E. Church separate from General Conference due to recent chapter included in M.E. Discipline condemning slavery as sin against God. | ||||
| 06-28-1860 | Commencement exercises held at Wesleyan Female Institute. | Southern Democratic Convention nominated John C. Breckinridge. | |||
| 06-29-1860 | Governor Letcher and Richmond Mayor Joseph Mayo passed through Staunton. Exhibition and picnic held at Old Providence Church in honor of first anniversary of Oakland Seminary. Waddells of Staunton invented new car couple, designed to unite railroad cars easily. | ||||
| 06-31-1860 | Closing exercises held at Loch Willow School, with address by Rev. John Baker. | ||||
| 07-03-1860 | Over following week, Governor Letcher and Mayor Mayo of Richmond visited Staunton and were received by local militia companies. Staunton Artillery and Augusta Guards paraded at Staunton Armory and had their firearms inspected. "Junior Blues" (youth military company) also paraded. Lorenzo Sibert of Mt. Solon exhibited his "Virginia Pacificator" gun, which could be fired 49 times without reloading. During same week, commencement exercises held at VA Female Institute. | ||||
| 07-04-1860 | Staunton celebrated July 4 with parade of local military units and other festivities. | Celebration of July 4 featured parade and target exercise by members of local militia. | |||
| 07-05-1860 | Passage of Wyandotte Constitution, prohibiting slavery in Kansas. | ||||
| 07-07-1860 | Torch-light procession held by Augusta Fire Association. | ||||
| 07-10-1860 | Fire started by attic stove destroyed homes of Samuel Ott, Mr. Decklemeyer, and Mr. Dittman. | ||||
| 07-11-1860 | Rev. Jacobs Harden executed by hanging for murder of his wife. | ||||
| 07-12-1860 | Women of Methodist Episcopal Church held 2-day fair at Union Hall. Elijah Hunter arrested in Lynchburg for stealing horses from John Churchman and returned to Staunton after brief escape from authorities. | ||||
| 07-13-1860 | Robinson and Lake's Great Southern Menagerie and Circus arrived in Augusta County for 2-day visit. | ||||
| 07-14-1860 | Buggy accident slightly injured William Howell of Spring Hill. Members of Methodist Episcopal Church from Mount Sidney Circuit met at Pleasant Grove Church and determined to send delegates to district convention in Harrisonburg to discuss separation from General Conference of the Church based on that body's position on slavery. | ||||
| 07-20-1860 | J. Kile arrested for possessing counterfeit money. | VA Democratic State Central Committee supported Douglas and Johnson for Democratic ticket but proposed special meeting to reconcile warring factions of party. | |||
| 07-23-1860 | Both Douglas and Breckinridge wings of Staunton Democratic party met at courthouse. One nominated delegates to secessionist convention in Charlottesville, and the other nominated delegates to regular convention to be held in Staunton. Speeches were given after both meetings. | Professor Pries performed his high-wire act on a 150-foot long wire strung between Fisher's Hotel and Heyser's drugstore. | |||
| Late 07-1860 | Farmers strongly urged to slaughter their diseased cattle. Town waterworks broke down. | ||||
| 08-01-1860 | Chambersburg African-Americans celebrated First of August, a traditional commemoration of emancipation of slaves in British West Indies. | ||||
| 08-02-1860 | Sunday school of Mossy Creek Church held public celebration. | ||||
| 08-04-1860 | Massive storm swept through Staunton, causing much damage to local businesses and homes and to pavement on some streets. Most damage caused by flooding. Some residents struck by lightning and others narrowly avoided drowning. Home of William Donaghe destroyed by lightning. Train returning from Staunton to Richmond collided with wagon near Waynesboro, destroying wagon and severely injuring driver. Picnic held near Brown's Spring in Fishersville; Augusta Rifles and Turner's Band present. Large storm passing through Staunton ended event early. | ||||
| 08-06-1860 | Directors of the Poor appointed James Cheritan steward of Poor House. | ||||
| 08-10-1860 | Just as Staunton's streets were being repaired from previous flooding, new flooding hit town, destroying repairs and damaging more property over course of several days. Street fight broke out near store of Bledsoe and Brothers. Many citizens called to answer indictment for involvement. African-American man working for Central Railroad Company died of "congestion of the brain" after drinking too much water in the heat. | ||||
| 08-16-1860 | Over next several days, state convention of Douglas Democrats met at Staunton Armory while Breckinridge wing of party met in Charlottesville. | ||||
| 08-22-1860 | Meeting held to organize Wide Awakes in Chambersburg. | ||||
| 08-24-1860 | Two days of divisive meetings of local Democratic factions. | ||||
| 08-25-1860 | John Minor Botts visited Staunton, was serenaded by Turner's Cornet Band, and addressed crowd of citizens outside Virginia Hotel. | ||||
| 08-27-1860 | Meeting held at Augusta courthouse supporting Bell/Everett ticket and urging local communities to form Bell/Everett political clubs; speeches made by Alexander H.H. Stuart, Edward Carrington, J.B. Baldwin, and R.L. Doyle. | ||||
| 08-30-1860 | Speech given in Staunton by ex-Governor Smith at invitation of Staunton Breckinridge and Lane Club. Greenbrier Agricultural Society addressed by Rev. Dr. Plumer. | ||||
| 08-31-1860 | Two prisoners, Elijah Hunter and James Night, escaped from Augusta County jail by sawing through bars on their cell window. | ||||
| Late 08-1860 | William Patterson found guilty in County Court "of receiving stolen bacon" and sentenced to prison and ten lashes. West Augusta Guard visited Monticello Guard of Charlottesville. Formation of local Douglas and Johnson Club and of local Democratic States Rights Club. | ||||
| September-October, 1860 | Intense political activity surrounding upcoming elections, including formation and meetings of political clubs and large political rallies. | ||||
| 09-01-1860 | Stephen Douglas visited Staunton, was greeted by military salute from Staunton Artillery, and gave address at Staunton Court House. Meeting in Barterbrook raised Bell/Everett pole and decided to start Bell/Everett club. | ||||
| 09-03-1860 | Newborn baby girl abandoned on Mrs. Elizabeth Weaver's doorstep. | ||||
| 09-04-1860 | Spectator announced that Lorenzo Sibert had obtained patent for his "Virginia Gun." | ||||
| 09-07-1860 | Celebration held at New Hope for all Sunday schools on Mt. Sidney circuit. West Augusta Guard met to thank military units, public officials, and citizens of Charlottesville for hospitality at recent encampment. | Steamship Lady Elgin collided with schooner Augusta on Lake Michigan, killing nearly 400 people. | |||
| 09-08-1860 | First meeting of Augusta County Union Party club held at Academy in Mt. Sidney and chaired by William Crawford. Meeting held in Mt. Sidney to form Bell/Everett Club. Union Party club met at New Hope; S.B. Finley, president. | ||||
| 09-09-1860 | Masons met at Masonic Hall, Staunton, to pay tribute to William Young, a recently deceased member. | ||||
| 09-10-1860 | Staunton Artillery held 5-day encampment at Stribling Springs; greeted with music and luncheon upon their return. | ||||
| 09-12-1860 | Women of Staunton Baptist Church and Sunday school held fair at stone house adjoining office of Staunton Spectator, with proceeds going to the "Foreign Mission Cause." | Republican campaign officially began in Chambersburg with arrival and public address by Morton McMichael of Philadelphia. | |||
| 09-13-1860 | Meeting held at courthouse in Staunton to organize a Bell/Everett Club. | ||||
| 09-14-1860 | George Isler died recently, leaving a will which emancipated all 15 or 20 of his slaves. | ||||
| 09-18-1860 | Meeting which included both factions of local Democrats held at county courthouse; fights broke out as local Democrats debated the possibility of fusion. | ||||
| 09-19-1860 | Fayetteville Band selected over Chambersburg Brass Band to play at county fair in October. | ||||
| 09-20-1860 | Fair held by women of Churchville for benefit of Churchville Methodist Parsonage. | ||||
| 09-24-1860 | Local delegates selected for Farmers' Assembly in Richmond. | ||||
| 09-26-1860 | Valley Spirit abruptly changed its position on election of 1860, shifting its endorsement from Douglas to Breckinridge. | ||||
| 09-27-1860 | Death of Robert Campbell, wealthy black barber in Staunton. | ||||
| 09-29-1860 | Bell/Everett pole raised in Sherando by supporters in Back Creek. | ||||
| 10-1860 | Andrew Curtin elected governor. | ||||
| Early 10-1860 | Slave girl of Samuel Crickenberger attempted to kill her owner's 4-month old child by forcing sharp objects down child's throat; infant survived, but slave sent to Richmond to be sold. | ||||
| 10-02-1860 | Franklin County Fair held near Chambersburg. | ||||
| 10-03-1860 | William Yancey delivered speech in Staunton. | ||||
| 10-06-1860 | Bell/Everett pole raised in Mt. Sidney and crowd addressed by Hugh Sheffey. | ||||
| 10-12-1860 | Charles Hudson of Mecklenberg convicted of second-degree murder of his slave, Jane, and sentenced to 18 years in prison. | ||||
| 10-17-1860 | Gen. Harman addressed Douglas Club at African church. | ||||
| 10-19-1860 | County-wide Union Party rally; stormy weather lowered expected turnout, and Spectator called for another "informal meeting" to be held on November 2. | Three slaves convicted in Lynchburg and sentenced to hang for attempted poisoning of Spencer family. | |||
| 10-22-1860 | Bayard Taylor, traveler and orator, lectured in Franklin Hall on "Life in the Arctic Regions." | ||||
| 10-25-1860 | George Washington Lodge of Masons took possession of and consecrated their building on Second Street. | ||||
| 11-1860 | Republicans won large majority in new state legislature. | ||||
| 11-02-1860 | Another county-wide Union Party meeting held despite rainy and muddy weather; addresses given by Alexander H.H. Stuart, John B. Baldwin and others. | ||||
| 11-03-1860 | Meeting of Augusta Rifles in Fishersville. | ||||
| 11-06-1860 | In Augusta County, John Bell received 2553 votes, Stephen Douglas 1094, and John C. Breckinridge 218. | In Franklin County, Abraham Lincoln received 4151 votes, John Bell 76, Stephen Douglas 822, and John C. Breckinridge 2515. | VA voted for John Bell for president. | PA voted for Abraham Lincoln for president. | Abraham Lincoln elected president and Hannibal Hamlin elected vice president. |
| 11-09-1860 | "Water Suit" between Mr. Sol Haber and J.J. Kennedy concluded in favor of Haber in the amount of $513. | ||||
| 11-14-1860 | Barn of John Churchman destroyed by arson. | ||||
| 11-17-1860 | Union meeting held at Staunton courthouse; committee of 13 men chosen to prepare resolutions for presentation to the public. | Local "notorious character" Josiah Atherton arrested for stealing a horse. Chambers Artillery traveled to Greenvillage and held a parade. | |||
| Mid-11-1860 | Iron bridge in Gas Alley finally repaired. | ||||
| 11-21-1860 | Over 3 days, Franklin County Educational Assocation met for its seventh annual meeting, with discussions on penmanship, geography, reading, phonetics, grammar, and arithmetic. | ||||
| 11-23-1860 | Benjamin Bagby and Richard Johnson given job of widening Lewis Creek to save Staunton from further flooding. | ||||
| 11-26-1860 | Augusta Union mass meeting held at courthouse. | ||||
| 11-29-1860 | Thanksgiving service for all denominations held at Lutheran church and funds collected for people suffering through Kansas drought. | ||||
| 11-30-1860 | Court Martial of 33rd VA Militia convened; resolutions passed regarding stance of unit toward sectional crisis. Staunton banks suspended specie payments. Imboden, Harman, and McCue established factory to make repeating gun recently invented by Lorenzo Sibert. | ||||
| Late 11-1860 | Financial panic reached Franklin. | ||||
| 12-01-1860 | Monument erected at gravesite of Dr. H.H. Kibler of Spring Hill. | Joseph Dunwoody, conductor on Cumberland Valley Railroad, killed while attempting to uncouple two cars. | |||
| 12-03-1860 | In his last speech to Congress, James Buchanan argued that South did not have right to secede from Union. | ||||
| 12-07-1860 | Blind Tom, a young black pianist, gave three concerts at Armory. Slave owned by Mrs. Harrison charged with assault with intention to rape. | ||||
| 12-12-1860 | Religious revival at Presbyterian church in Chambersburg. | ||||
| 12-13-1860 | Seven senators and 23 representatives from 9 southern states issued statement claiming that secession was only option left for Southern people. | ||||
| 12-14-1860 | 123 black men from penitentiary hired to work for Covington and Ohio Railroad. | ||||
| 12-15-1860 | Storm dropped foot of snow on Augusta County. | ||||
| 12-17-1860 | Jeremiah S. Black of PA appointed Secretary of State. | ||||
| 12-18-1860 | Crittenden Compromise proposed. | ||||
| 12-20-1860 | Staunton Musical Association gave their seventh public concert at Armory Hall. Women of Lutheran Church held pre-Christmas festival. | Edwin M. Stanton appointed Attorney General. | South Carolina seceded. | ||
| 12-21-1860 | Theater company which had previously left Staunton with unpaid bills caught and forced to return to city to stand trial. | ||||
| 12-26-1860 | Maj. Anderson moved his federal troops from Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, to Fort Sumter, South Carolina. | ||||
| 12-29-1860 | Snowstorm deposited 16-18 inches of snow. | ||||
| 12-30-1860 | South Carolina troops seized US arsenal at Charleston. |
