New York State Library Resources

The Library holds an extensive collection of material on the American Civil War in print, microform, and online formats. These materials include regimental and military histories, personal narratives, military records, general references, State and federal documents and reports, and numerous primary documents, such as letters, diaries, music, and maps.

This page provides an overview of the different Civil War resources in the Library's various collections.
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/military/civilwar.htm

The list describes and links to many of the Library materials related to the American Civil War that have been digitized and are available online.
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/scandocs/civilwar.htm

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the Library is creating a series of online exhibits featuring black-and-white illustrations that originally appeared in contemporary publications such as Harper's Weekly, New York Illustrated News and Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. Most focus on major battles that included New York State regiments.
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/mssc/civilwarbattles.htm

This online exhibit features one of the Library's treasures - Lincoln's handwritten draft of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/ep/

This guide lists over 200 collections in the Manuscript and Special Collections unit that are related to individuals or organizations involved in the Civil War. Information is organized both by name and, where appropriate, by regiment. http://www.nysl.nysed .gov/mssc/allcwrec.htm