Primary Sources
A primary source is something that was created and/or experienced at the time being studied. They provide a first-hand or eye witness account. Examples of primary sources include: historical documents, artifacts, a diary or journal, speeches, oral histories, photos, newspaper clippings, letters, etc. Reproductions of primary sources (remember, we won't have the originals) can often be found in books and on websites.
Be sure to check out our Primary Sources LibGuide for more assistance.
What is a Primary Source?
Primary Sources
- Civil War Primary Source Documents This link opens in a new window
- Slavery & Anti-Slavery This link opens in a new windowHistory of slavery from the original books, newspapers, pamphlets, manuscripts, etc.
- AAS (American Antiquarian Society) Historical Periodicals This link opens in a new windowAmerican periodicals published between 1684 and 1912
- 19th Century U.S. Newspapers This link opens in a new windowFacsimile-image database of American newspapers of the 1800s
- The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Civil WarA Compilation of official records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Compiled by The Ohio State University
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Books
Your books will often have examples of primary sources. Don't forget to look through them.
Some books that contain primary sources are listed below.
Memories of the Enslaved by Call Number: E444 .M46 2015ISBN: 9781440837784Publication Date: 2015-09-15
Civil War America: Voices from the Home Front by Call Number: E468.9 .M127 2003ISBN: 1576072371Publication Date: 2003-04-04
Memoirs and selected letters : personal memoirs of U.S. Grant ; Selected letters 1839-1865 by Call Number: E660 .G7562 1990ISBN: 0940450585Publication Date: 1990-10-01
Civil War Sketch Book: Drawings from the Battlefront by Call Number: OVERSIZE E468.7 .K38 2012ISBN: 9780393072204Publication Date: 2012-05-14
Defining Documents in American History: The Civil War, 1860-1865 by Call Number: REF E173 .D45 2014 v. 1-2ISBN: 9781429837460Publication Date: 2014-01-21
American Civil War: Primary Sources by Call Number: REF E464 .H55 2000ISBN: 0787638242Publication Date: 1999-12-20
Voices of Civil War America by Call Number: REF E464 .V65 2011ISBN: 9780313377402Publication Date: 2011-09-13
American Civil War by Call Number: REF E468 .A5329 2013 v.1-6ISBN: 9781851096770Publication Date: 2013-09-30
American History Through Its Greatest Speeches by Call Number: REF PS662 .A46 2017 v.1-3ISBN: 9781610699693Publication Date: 2016-12-05
