| Dates | Augusta County, VA | Franklin County, PA | Virginia | Pennsylvania | National |
| 1861 | Yale conferred first Ph.D. degree in the U.S. University of Boulder chartered at Boulder, CO. University of Washington began in Seattle, WA. | ||||
| 01-04-1861 | National day of prayer observed in Augusta. The Vindicator announced that its primary loyalty was no longer to the Democratic party but "to Virginia and the South." | ||||
| 01-07-1861 | VA General Assembly met in extra session in Richmond. | ||||
| 01-08-1861 | Spectator printed letter from Col. John M. McCue outlining McCue's support for a secession convention. | ||||
| 01-09-1861 | Mississippi seceded. South Carolina fired on unarmed merchant ship re-supplying Fort Sumter. | ||||
| 01-10-1861 | Florida seceded. | ||||
| 01-11-1861 | Slave belonging to Joseph Cline chopped off three of her fingers to prevent him from selling her. | Alabama seceded. | |||
| 01-12-1861 | United States flag hauled down at the Pensacola Navy Yard by Confederate rebels. | ||||
| 01-14-1861 | VA General Assembly passed act providing for election of delegates to a state secession convention. | ||||
| 01-15-1861 | Andrew Curtain inaugurated as governor of Pennsylvania. | ||||
| 01-17-1861 | United Brethren in Christ conference held in Chambersburg. | ||||
| 01-18-1861 | Vassar Female College, now Vassar College, founded and endowed in Poughkeepsie, NY. | ||||
| 01-19-1861 | Georgia seceded. | ||||
| 01-21-1861 | Candidates for state convention held public forum at Mt. Sidney. | ||||
| 01-22-1861 | Two sons of the Rev. Mr. Coursey of Greenwood arrested in Waynesboro for assaulting Mr. Alex Hamiliton. | ||||
| 01-25-1861 | Daguerreotypist Mr. Berry of Augusta County recently requested to leave Amelia County under suspicion that he was "too familiar with slaves." | ||||
| 01-26-1861 | Louisiana seceded. | ||||
| 01-28-1861 | Candidates for Augusta's seats at the state convention spoke at the courthouse. | ||||
| 01-29-1861 | Kansas admitted to the Union. | ||||
| Late in 01-1861 | Andrew Curtin became first northern governor to support federal action to keep the South in the Union. | ||||
| Early in 02-1861 | Grand and Subordinate Lodges of the PA Order of Odd Fellows erected a monument to past Grand Master Aaron Nichols in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. | ||||
| 02-01-1861 | Texas seceded. | ||||
| 02-04-1861 | VA elected a majority of Unionists to its secession convention. | At the request of the Virginia legislature, Peace Conference convened in Washington, DC. Confederate Constitutional Convention met in Montgomery, AL to form the Confederate States of America. | |||
| 02-07-1861 | Franklin County hit by violent winter storm that blew down two buildings. Christian Rosenburger froze to death. | ||||
| 02-09-1861 | Jefferson Davis chosen as president and Alexander Stephens as vice president of the Confederacy. Tennessee voted against calling a secession convention. | ||||
| 02-11-1861 | Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, IL, for Washington, DC. | ||||
| 02-13-1861 | Brick stable belonging to Fisher's Hotel set on fire. | ||||
| 02-16-1861 | "Dixie" first used as unofficial Confederate anthem during rally with Jefferson Davis in Montgomery, AL. | ||||
| 02-18-1861 | Jefferson Davis inaugurated as president of the Confederacy. Arkansas and Missouri elected a majority of Unionists to secession convention. | ||||
| 02-22-1861 | Washington's birthday celebrated with a parade by the West Augusta Guard and the Staunton Artillery. Women of Staunton held fair to benefit the West Augusta Guard. Meeting of officers in Staunton to organize a volunteer regiment. | Chambers Artillery visited Harrisburg and planned a grand salute for their return home. | Abraham Lincoln visited Philadelphia on his way to Washington. | ||
| 02-23-1861 | Abraham Lincoln slipped into Washington before dawn following reports of a planned assassination. | ||||
| 02-28-1861 | Crittenden proposal voted down in the House of Representatives. | ||||
| 02-28-1861 | North Carolina narrowly voted against calling secession convention. | ||||
| 03-01-1861 | Over the next 2 weeks, 23 people baptized in Baptist church. | ||||
| 03-02-1861 | Territories of Nevada and Dakota established. | ||||
| 03-04-1861 | Officers of Augusta military companies met and elected officers for a new volunteer military regiment in Augusta County. | Senate rejected Crittenden proposal. Abraham Lincoln inaugurated. "Stars and Bars" adopted as official Confederate flag. | |||
| 03-05-1861 | Simon Cameron of PA appointed as Lincoln's Secretary of War. | Abraham Lincoln learned Fort Sumter running out of supplies. | |||
| 03-06-1861 | Confederate Congress called for 100,000 volunteers for 12-month term. | ||||
| 03-09-1861 | Confederate Congress authorized issuance of treasury notes. | ||||
| 03-10-1861 | Dedication of new Methodist Episcopal church building. | ||||
| 03-11-1861 | Confederate constitution unanimously adopted by the Confederate Congress. | ||||
| 03-13-1861 | Baltimore Methodist Episcopal Conference and Convention of Lay Members met in Staunton over the next 13 days. | East Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church met in Chambersburg over the next 11 days. | |||
| 03-15-1861 | Secretary of State Seward indirectly told Confederate commissioners that Fort Sumter would soon be evacuated. | ||||
| 03-22-1861 | Legislative bill passed creating Southern Express Company to establish express lines through the southern states. | ||||
| 03-23-1861 | Judge Breckenbrough spoke in favor of secession on the front porch of the Virginia Hotel. | Craft & Irwin's shoe store in the Valley Spirit Building caught on fire, but newspaper office was undamaged. | |||
| 03-28-1861 | Staunton Musical Association gave concert at Armory Hall. | ||||
| 03-29-1861 | Village of Mt. Solon nearly destroyed by fire. Thirteen buildings burned and high winds hindered firefighters' efforts. | Lincoln ordered relief force to sail for Fort Sumter on April 6, 1861. | |||
| Early in 04-1861 | Young men established a Sons of America Camp in Chambersburg, a patriotic organization which the Valley Spirit feared was a Know-Nothing front. | ||||
| 04-01-1861 | Secretary of State Seward told Confederate commissioners no attempt to re-supply Fort Sumter would be made without notification of the governor of SC. Morrill Tariff Bill came into effect. | ||||
| 04-03-1861 | New postmasters appointed throughout the county. Maj. H. R. Hershberger established a fencing school in town. | ||||
| 03-05-1861 | Staunton Savings Bank incorporated by state legislature. | ||||
| 04-06-1861 | Massive 5-day storm hit Staunton, preventing information about the war's start from reaching Augusta County until a week later. | Lincoln sent word to the Governor Pickens of SC that the federal government would re-supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if SC did not resist, no "men, arms, or ammunition" would be sent. | |||
| 04-08-1861 | The Pan-tec-na-thec-a exhibition, composed of 5 panoramas, visited Franklin Hall for 4 days. | ||||
| 04-09-1861 | Supply expedition left for Fort Sumter. Jefferson Davis and the Confederate government decided to attack Fort Sumter before it could be re-supplied. | ||||
| 04-11-1861 | Maj. Anderson refused to surrender Fort Sumter. | ||||
| 04-12-1861 | Fort Sumter fired upon and surrendered. Civil War began. Over the next 3 days, demonstrations supporting attack on Fort Sumter held in Nashville, TN, Raleigh, NC, Richmond, VA, and other southern cities. | ||||
| 04-13-1861 | Local militia units organized into a single volunteer regiment, the 5th. | ||||
| Mid 04-1861 | Several military companies formed. | ||||
| 04-15-1861 | U.S. declared an insurrection in the southern states. Lincoln called for 75,000 troops for 90 days' service. | ||||
| 04-16-1861 | The Staunton Spectator printed news of April 12th firing on Fort Sumter. | Governor Letcher ordered local militia companies to prepare to fight federal troops should they attack Virginia. | |||
| 04-17-1861 | Town Council appropriated $3,000 to equip the "Home Guard." | Meeting at the Franklin County Courthouse expressed support for the Union and promised several thousand dollars to support soldiers' families. | Secession convention in Richmond voted 88 to 55 to secede from the Union. | ||
| 04-18-1861 | 1800 to 2000 Chambersburg residents raised a large Union flag, sang "The Star Spangled Banner," and listened to speeches. Town meeting held at courthouse to honor departing Chambers Artillery, denounce Southern traitors, and offer support for Union. 120-foot-high "Liberty Pole" with a large American flag raised in the Diamond. | Virginia militia seized Harper's Ferry. | Lee declined Union offer of command, resigned from the United States Army, and enlisted in the Confederate Army. State troops seized the United States arsenal at Liberty, MO. | ||
| 04-19-1861 | Company of light artillery organized under direction of Capt. C. F. Campbell. Meeting held in Chambersburg to organize home guard and raise funds for families of volunteers. | Virginia militia seized Gosport Navy Yard. | Riot in Baltimore, MD began when mob attacked MA soldiers and soldiers fought back, killing 12 residents. Marylanders, angered, cut telegraph and railroad ties, severing communication between Washington and the North. Lincoln ordered blockade of Confederate ports. | ||
| 04-20-1861 | Confederates seized the Norfolk Navy Yard in Virginia. | ||||
| 04-22-1861 | County court appropriated $50,000 for equipment and support of military volunteers. | ||||
| 04-23-1861 | Lee accepted command of Virginia's military. United States officers seized at San Antonio, TX, as prisoners of war. | ||||
| 04-25-1861 | First northern regiments arrived in Washington, securing the capital from attack. | ||||
| 04-26-1861 | Young women students of the Virginia Female Institute made jackets for local volunteers. | ||||
| 04-27-1861 | Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus in parts of Maryland. | ||||
| Early in 05-1861 | Chambersburg, near the Virginia border, became a concentration point for Union troops housed at Camp Irvin and later Camp Slifer. | ||||
| 05-03-1861 | The Vindicator announced that M.G. Harman of Augusta County appointed Assistant Quarter Master for the western region of Virginia. | The Vindicator reported that the governor had forbidden the state to impress livestock into service. | Lincoln authorized enlistment of 42,000 3-year army volunteers and 18,000 sailors, and enlarged the regular army by 23,000 men. | ||
| 05-06-1861 | Arkansas seceded. | ||||
| 05-07-1861 | The Staunton Spectator announced Lincoln's blockade of ports in VA and NC. | ||||
| 05-08-1861 | Bank of Chambersburg paid a dividend of four percent to its stockholders. | ||||
| 05-10-1861 | The Vindicator reported that the State Convention had decreed that all volunteer officers above the rank of Captain would be replaced by new appointments made by the governor. | Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus in Key West, the Tortugas, and Santa Rosa, FL. Martial law proclaimed. | |||
| 05-11-1861 | Charleston, SC, blockaded. | ||||
| 05-12-1861 | Intoxicated soldiers started a fight at Brand's Hotel. (vs5/15 p2.2) Ministers from local churches preached to soldiers in camp, while other soldiers attended services in town. | ||||
| 05-13-1861 | Volunteer company of Mt. Solon honored by local women. | Women met to organize a hospital for sick soldiers. | Blockade of the Mississippi River at Cairo established. | ||
| Mid 05-1861 | Several horses stolen from Mercersburg area. | ||||
| 05-15-1861 | The Valley Spirit began publishing semi-weekly, but dropped from eight pages an issue to four. Women of Chambersburg presented a flag to the 7th Regiment. | ||||
| 05-16-1861 | Three regiments from Camp Slifer paraded through Chambersburg. | ||||
| 05-18-1861 | Military companies stationed in Staunton paraded, an event witnessed by five hundred mostly female spectators. The women of Mt. Solon honored the town's company of volunteers. | Governor Curtin came to town to review the troops. Judge Macon, a prominent Marylander, arrested in Chambersburg on suspicion of being a secessionist. Men claiming to be Southern deserters arrived in Chambersburg where they were greeted with suspicion. | Beginning of 2-day engagement at Sewell's Point, VA. | ||
| 05-19-1861 | Funeral of Dr. William Senseny, one of the largest ever held in Chambersburg. | ||||
| 05-20-1861 | North Carolina seceded. | ||||
| 05-21-1861 | Richmond, VA, became capital of the Confederacy. | ||||
| 05-23-1861 | Post Office, under the direction of its new Post Master, J. W. Deal, moved to a new location in the Valley Spirit building. | State election held; voters overwhelmingly supported Virginia's secession and elected local representatives to the House of Delegates. | |||
| 05-24-1861 | Union troops occupied Arlington Heights and Alexandria. Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth shot and killed by the hotel keeper after removing a Confederate flag from the Marshall House hotel in Alexandria. | Ulysses Grant, having resigned from the army because of drunkenness in 1854, offered his services to the Union. | |||
| 05-26-1861 | New Orleans, LA, blockaded. | ||||
| 05-27-1861 | Fire in the stable of Thomas Shumate of Staunton spread to the houses of his neighbors. Fire broke out in Waynesboro, destroying a number of houses. | Mobile, AL, blockaded. Savannah, GA, blockaded. | |||
| 05-28-1861 | Home Guard met at Armory Hall. | ||||
| 05-31-1861 | Edward C. Randolph, a suspected spy, arrested in Middlebrook, Augusta County, by members of the Greenbrier militia. | ||||
| Early in 06-1861 | Gen. Patterson took charge of the telegraph office in Chambersburg and placed an operator there to supervise all army-related dispatches. | PA regiments received new uniforms similar to those worn by other Union soldiers. | |||
| 06-01-1861 | Augusta Circuit Court session began. Stribling Springs opened. | Soldiers of Curtin Guards, Company B, 10th Pa., thanked Mr. and Mrs. Ross and other Chambersburg residents for providing them with cakes and pies. Soldiers attacked the home of Frank Jones, an African-American. Jones wounded two soldiers but was then arrested by a band of soldiers and beaten to death. Three soldiers died of camp fever. | Cavalry clashed at Fairfax Courthouse. First Confederate officer killed. | ||
| 06-03-1861 | Four children of William and Elizabeth Bosserman died of diphtheria over next 17 days. | Battle of Phillips, VA. | |||
| 06-04-1861 | The 5th Regiment of Augusta County publicly appealed to military authorities in Richmond to install Col. Baylor as their commander. | ||||
| 05-05-1861 | Bank of Chambersburg urged citizens to invest in state loans rather than keep their money at home during these "troublesome times." | ||||
| 06-07-1861 | Augusta County's thirteenth military company, the Augusta Lee Rifles, entered the war, and arrangements began for the creation of a fourteenth. The women of Staunton presented a company banner to the Augusta Lee Rifles. | ||||
| 06-08-1861 | Gen. Caldwalader arrived in Chambersburg to lead an invasion of VA. | State troops of VA transferred to the Confederate Government. | Tennessee seceded. | ||
| 06-10-1861 | Gen. Wise, former governor of Virginia, spoke in Staunton. Edward C. Randolph, a suspected spy, released from an Augusta County jail. | ||||
| 06-11-1861 | The Staunton Spectator announced that each issue would contain only two pages rather than four due to wartime paper restrictions. | Desperate soldiers from "Camp Chambers" rushed into Chambersburg and demanded food. | Over the next nine days Unionists formed an independent government in western Virginia. | ||
| 06-12-1861 | Abbie Kerr and Mollie McLeod of Marion County, who warned Confederate troops of the Union approach at Phillipa, passed through Staunton. | ||||
| Mid 06-1861 | United States Grand Jury in Philadelphia declared that the governor had appointed incompetent men to run the military departments, leading to fraud. | ||||
| 06-15-1861 | In response to several incidents between soldiers and townspeople, Maj. Gen. Keim issued orders that every soldier must have a pass to leave camp. | Great Britain and France recognized the Confederate States as belligerents. | |||
| 06-17-1861 | Troops clashed at Vienna, VA. | Battle of Boonesville, MO. | |||
| 06-18-1861 | Women of Staunton met to discuss ways of providing relief for injured and ill soldiers staying at military hospital in Staunton. | ||||
| 06-20-1861 | Northwestern Virginians met in Wheeling, VA, declared the Confederate government in Richmond illegitimate, formed a "restored government" and appointed Francis Pierpont governor. | Unionists won the Kentucky special election. | |||
| 06-21-1861 | The Vindicator ceased publication until February 20, 1863. | Telegraph line connecting Chambersburg and Hagerstown completed. | |||
| 06-22-1861 | Fourteenth volunteer military company formed in Augusta. | ||||
| 06-24-1861 | Fire destroyed the foundry building and two houses in Greencastle. | ||||
| 06-26-1861 | Four regiments of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps ordered to encamp permanently at Camp Slifer. | ||||
| 06-29-1861 | Mary Stirllipper, employee of Fisher's Hotel, arrested for killing her newborn child. | ||||
| Early in 07-1861 | Company flag of Captain McMullin's Rangers flew outside Franklin House in honor of the Rangers' successful advance into VA. Three-year enlistees awarded a one hundred dollar bonus. Sick soldiers convalescing at Franklin Hall removed and placed in the care of surrounding families. | U.S. Congress authorized the enlistment of an additional million 3-year volunteers. | |||
| 07-01-1861 | County commissioners appropriated money to support families of local volunteers for a period of four weeks. | ||||
| 07-02-1861 | The 5th Virginia Infantry, composed mostly of Augusta volunteers, defeated a larger Union force in Berkeley County near Martinsburg. | ||||
| 07-04-1861 | No organized Fourth of July celebrations held due to the war. | ||||
| 07-11-1861 | Senators Mason and Hunter expelled from the United States Senate. Battle of Rich Mountain, VA. | ||||
| 07-14-1861 | Battle of Carricks Fort, VA. | ||||
| Mid 07-1861 | Confederates took J. Allison Eyster prisoner, reportedly with no charge against him. | ||||
| 07-16-1861 | The editor of the Staunton Spectator announced his determination to continue publication, although three employees had already reported for military service. | All Virginia militia north of the James and east of the Alleghenies ordered to report to Gen. Beauregard at Manassas. | Union forces in Washington, commanded by Gen. McDowell, moved to attack Gen. Beauregard's Confederate forces at Manassas. | ||
| 07-20-1861 | The Valley Spirit denied charges of being sympathetic to the Confederacy. | ||||
| 07-21-1861 | The 5th Virginia Infantry, under the command of Gen. Jackson, came under heavy fire at Manassas, VA. | First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas, VA: Gen. Johnston and Gen. Beauregard led Confederates to victory. | |||
| 07-22-1861 | News of the Battle of Bull Run reached Chambersburg. J. R. Hutton & Bro.'s Jewelry Store robbed. | U.S. Congress authorized enlistment of 500,000 men. | |||
| 07-25-1861 | U.S. Congress sanctioned volunteers to aid in putting down the insurrection in the South. | ||||
| 07-28-1861 | Lightning killed a colt belonging to John Asway and caused a fire that burned a nearby barn. | ||||
| 07-30-1861 | Grand and traverse jurors appointed for the August court session. | ||||
| Early in 08-1861 | U.S. Congress passed law declaring runaway or captured slaves could not be returned to their masters if they had been used for military purposes. | ||||
| 08-05-1861 | U.S. Congress passed first federal income tax to raise money for war effort. | ||||
| 08-06-1861 | U.S. Congress passed act calling for confiscation of all property (including slaves) used by Confederate military. | ||||
| 08-07-1861 | Three slaves, John Henry Williams, Fielding Lewis, and John Henry Smith, committed to the Augusta County jail after running away from tobacco factories in Richmond. | ||||
| 08-10-1861 | Battle of Wilson's Creek, MO. | ||||
| 08-13-1861 | County Democrats met at the courthouse to prepare for the next election. | ||||
| Mid 08-1861 | Family of J. Allison Eyster learned that he might be released from a Confederate prison soon. | ||||
| 08-15-1861 | Union Camp Meeting held by the Churches of God. 390 county Republicans met. | Richmond and Staunton established as camps for new recruits and draftees. | |||
| 08-16-1861 | Lincoln prohibited commercial intercourse with seceding States. | ||||
| 08-17-1861 | E. C. Randolph, previously tried as a spy, killed his wife by stabbing her in the abdomen and arm. | ||||
| 08-20-1861 | The Staunton Spectator reported that there were 500 sick soldiers in Staunton, the "great Hospital for the Western Army." Nearly half of Augusta County's white agricultural labor force engaged in military service. | ||||
| 08-23-1861 | The International Order of Odd Fellows met to mourn the death of member Lt. John Eskridge. Silas Karacole died after being caught in a threshing machine. | ||||
| 08-25-1861 | Harriet Ast died at age 20 from fever contracted while caring for a sick soldier. | ||||
| 08-29-1861 | Proposal of western Virginia to secede and form a separate state consented to by the "Restoration Government" of Virginia under Governor Pierpont. | Gen. Butler and Union forces captured Forts Hatteras and Clark at Hatteras Inlet, NC. | |||
| 08-31-1861 | The Staunton Town Council met for elections and to vote on fiscal spending, including the appropriation of $1000 for the benefit of families with absent soldiers. | County Democrats elected delegates for the county convention. Union Sabbath School celebration held in Fayetteville. Bright meteor spotted in Franklin County. | John C. Fremont declared martial law in MO, and seized property of Confederate supporters and freed their slaves. Lincoln later revoked Fremont's emancipation decree. | ||
| Late in 08-1861 | Col. Baldwin asked residents to donate clothing, blankets, and other items to his 52nd VA Regiment. | ||||
| Early in 09-1861 | Franklin County Union Party held convention with Republican support. | ||||
| 09-02-1861 | County Republicans announced candidates for the next election. | ||||
| 09-03-1861 | Women encouraged to establish "Soldier Aid Societies" to collect items for the war effort. Dr. Hopkins of Augusta County announced that he had invented a mechanical nursing swing. A citizen of Rockbridge County complained that wealthy Augusta residents received disproportionate recognition in the way of appointments and accolades in the 52nd Regiment. | Caroline Toms arrested for fornication, bastardy, and concealing the birth of a child. County Democratic convention met to nominate a ticket for the next election. | |||
| 09-04-1861 | The Valley Spirit denied charges of treason and said it would uphold the government, but not the Lincoln administration. | ||||
| 09-05-1861 | Rosh Hashanah observed in honor of the Jewish New Year 5822. | ||||
| 09-06-1861 | Gen. Grant occupied Paducah, KY. | ||||
| 09-10-1861 | The Staunton Spectator reported that Messrs. Michie, Baylor, and Crawford appointed commissioners for the county to oversee the election of president and vice president. | Battle of Carnifex Ferry, VA. | |||
| 09-11-1861 | County Democratic ticket announced. Farmers and Mechanics' Industrial Association canceled annual fair since troops stationed at the fairgrounds destroyed the property. | ||||
| 09-13-1861 | Union naval forces won first naval battle near Pensacola, FL. | ||||
| 09-16-1861 | Public schools re-opened for the year. | ||||
| 09-17-1861 | The Staunton Spectator complained about the poor condition of a Staunton street. | ||||
| 09-18-1861 | Sixty prisoners of war held in Staunton moved to Richmond. | Confederates occupied Bowling Green, KY. | |||
| 09-20-1861 | Confederate forces captured Lexington, MO. | ||||
| 09-24-1861 | Rev. Samuel Regester addresses the citizens of Staunton on the war. Report of deaths in the General Hospital at Staunton from its establishment to 09-17-1861 released. | ||||
| 09-25-1861 | Voters reminded to have their taxes assessed at least ten days before the next election. | ||||
| 09-28-1861 | J. Allison Eyster freed from a Confederate prison and returned home to Chambersburg. | ||||
| Late in 09-1861 | Mr. J.H. Johnson opened tobacco store in Staunton. | ||||
| 10-01-1861 | The Staunton Spectator reported that three runaway slaves from Richmond were jailed in Augusta County. Col. Kenton Harper and Col. John B. Baldwin announced their candidacy for the Confederate Congress. The Staunton Spectator complained that Lincoln set up a pro-Union government and a U.S. District Court in Northwestern Virginia. | ||||
| 10-08-1861 | The Staunton Spectator rejected the accusation, printed in the Lexington Gazette, that surgeons in the military hospital at Staunton had appropriated items donated to the soldiers for their own use. | ||||
| 10-09-1861 | Battle of Santa Rosa Island, FL. | ||||
| 10-10-1861 | Thirty-nine prisoners arrived in Staunton, including fifteen Union men from VA. | Republican candidates dominated the local elections, including James Nill, elected president judge. | |||
| Mid 10-1861 | Four new appointments made to the Chambersburg Fire Department. | ||||
| 10-15-1861 | A letter in the Staunton Spectator criticized John Baldwin for his cautious approach to secession before the war and accused him of Union sympathies. The Staunton Spectator endorsed John Baldwin's candidacy. | ||||
| 10-21-1861 | Battle of Ball's Bluff, near Leesburg, VA. | ||||
| 10-24-1861 | First transcontinental telegraph message sent from Sacramento, CA, to Washington, DC. | ||||
| 10-26-1861 | Col. John Baldwin resigned from the State Convention to fulfill duties as a military officer. | ||||
| 10-31-1861 | The buildings formerly used as the freight depot for the Virginia Central Railroad in Staunton burned down. | ||||
| Early in 11-1861 | Union prisoners released from the Staunton jail. The prisoners voluntarily took the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. Greenbrier Cavalry disbanded due to rampant disease in the company. | Gen. Robert McAllen commissioned by the Governor to raise a new regiment in Franklin County. County court opened session. | |||
| 11-01-1861 | Snively Strickler took over as the new editor of the Franklin Repository and Transcript. | Winfield Scott resigned as General-in-Chief of the Union and was replaced by George McClellan. | |||
| 11-02-1861 | Heavy rainstorm damaged property in Chambersburg. A man named Race sent to the penitentiary for nine years after being convicted of arson and robbery in Greencastle. | ||||
| 11-06-1861 | Col. John Baldwin elected to Confederate Congress. | ||||
| 11-07-1861 | Union forces captured Port Royal, SC. | ||||
| 11-09-1861 | E. C. Randolph acquitted on charges of murdering his wife on plea of temporary insanity. | ||||
| 11-10-1861 | Eldest daughter of William Danfeldt burned to death. | ||||
| 11-11-1861 | Mr. Kemmerer's singing class gave a concert for the public. | ||||
| 11-13-1861 | A fire in Staunton consumed a frame house and a stone building adjacent to the Virginia Hotel, but the hotel itself survived. | Chambersburg Female Seminary announced the start of its second fall session. | |||
| 11-15-1861 | The Hebron Church honored President Davis's declaration of a day of prayer. | ||||
| 11-18-1861 | Bank of Chambersburg elected new board of directors. | ||||
| 11-19-1861 | Franklin County soldier lost overboard while being transported to Kentucky on a river steamer. | ||||
| 11-20-1861 | Lt. Col. Housum of the 77th PA recruited in town. | ||||
| 11-22-1861 | Poorhouse burned because of an unattended stove. | ||||
| 11-26-1861 | Southern farmers encouraged to raise foodstuffs during the blockade. | County school superintendents attended state superintendents' meeting. | |||
| 11-28-1861 | Henry J. Webster, a soldier from the 1st TN Regiment, murdered John Snider, an employee of Mr. Beck's restaurant, when Snider informed Webster that he was out of oysters. | ||||
| 11-29-1861 | Meeting held to consider the future of the Chambersburg Public Library. | ||||
| 11-30-1861 | Jefferson Davis elected President of the Confederate States of America by popular vote. | ||||
| Early in 12-1861 | Strasburg women sent supplies to soldiers at Camp Curtin. State superintendent of schools denied reported that money would be taken away from the common schools to support the war effort. | Lincoln urged border states to emancipate their slaves voluntarily. | |||
| 12-02-1861 | Chambersburg women donated socks to soldiers at Camp Slifer. | ||||
| 12-04-1861 | The U.S. House of Representatives rejected resolution stating that the conflict did not have antislavery goals. | ||||
| 12-09-1861 | Fire burned William Hrandt's barn. Friendship Fire Company elected new officers. | ||||
| 12-10-1861 | A letter to the Staunton Spectator criticized war profiteers and speculators. | ||||
| 12-13-1861 | The 52nd Regiment helped the Confederacy gain a "most brilliant victory" at Alleghany Mtn. | ||||
| Mid 12-1861 | The Confederate Congress granted a bounty of $90 to those who served in the army for 3 years and provided 60-day furloughs to those on 1-year enlistments who re-enlisted for 2 more years. | ||||
| 12-15-1861 | The Reverend John Harris preached at the Hebron Church. | ||||
| 12-20-1861 | Battle at Dranesville, VA. | ||||
| 12-21-1861 | Women of Fayetteville held concert to raise money for soldiers. | ||||
| 12-24-1861 | Benefit for the Pittsburgh Orphans' Home held at the Lutheran Church. George Seilhammer recited a poem at Franklin Hall to benefit the poorhouse. | ||||
| 12-25-1861 | Fayetteville Union Sunday Schools held a festival with patriotic and devotional songs and a concert by the Fayetteville Brass Band. Franklin County Teachers Association held meetings over next 3 days. | ||||
| 12-31-1861 | Reverend Joseph Clark spoke on the "History and Theory of Revolutions" at Franklin Hall. | ||||
| Late in 12-1861 | Jefferson Davis' Great American Panorama visited Chambersburg. |
