Witness to the Civil War: First-Hand Accounts from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper

For four bloody years, the Civil War ravaged America. Those at home could only imagine the sights and events overtaking their husbands and sons, fathers and brothers who were under arms.

Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper was a primary source of information during those dark days. The reporters and artists who traveled with the armies were eyewitnesses to events, great and small, for their captivated readers. Sometimes the news was sensational. At other times it was tragic. But it was always eagerly sought after.

Here are the accounts, in pictures and stories, of those first wartime journalists. Here are their reports from the front lines. Here is the Civil War's news as originally presented to loved ones at home. Here you will find images of the battles, the leaders, the camp life, and of the soldiers who gave their all for North and South.

In your hands you hold the testimony of those who were Witness to the Civil War.

J. G. Lewin and P. J. Huff are freelance writers who specialize in popular and military history.