Scranton Public Library - Out of the Wilderness: The Industrialization and Development of the the Scranton Area 1850-1865

About This Collection

Funded by a grant from the Willary Foundation, this collection contains letters, books, paintings, photographs, and other artifacts from the era when the Lackawanna Valley emerged from its agrarian beginnings to become an industrial center that powered the torn nation's war effort. Contributing agencies include the Scranton Public Library, the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and the Anthracite Heritage Museum. This collection relates to Scranton's early history and its importance in politics and history of the United States.

Perform a search

Letter from Andrew & Betsy Peck to other Peck family members.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

The letter refers to a recent family visit and thoughts on the Civil War.

Letter from Andrew Peck to his brother Rev. George Peck, June 26, 1865.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Andrew Peck writes about slavery and a book recently written by George Peck.

Letter from B. G Clark to Joseph H. Scranton, March 5, 1863.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

A letter asking that Joseph H. Scranton help a Mr. French secure an appointment of deputy Provost Marshall of the Jersey City district.

Letter from B. G Clarke to Joseph H. Scranton, April 1, 1862

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

B. G Clarke writes about his potential Navy Contract.

Letter from B. G Clarke to Joseph H. Scranton, April 2, 1862

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

B. G Clarke discusses his interview with the government to receive a potential Navy contract.

Letter from B. G Clarke to Joseph H. Scranton, April 4, 1862

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

B. G Clarke's letter containing more information about a potential Navy contract.

Letter from Capt. Richard Stillwell to Joseph H. Scranton.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Capt. Richard Stillwell relates to Joseph H. Scranton his life in the 132nd Pennsylvania Volunteers at a camp outside of Washington D.C. He also discusses taking care of the family left alone in Scranton Pa.

Letter from Col. Richard Oakford to Joseph H. Scranton, September 3, 1862.

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865, Scranton (Pa.)--History

Col. Richard Oakford requested from Joseph H. Scranton a dark, sound horse because there were none available from the government.

A letter from Daniel Dodge to Joseph H. Scranton, June 30, 1862.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

The letter discusses Bull Run and also family issues that Joseph H. Scranton had at the time.

A letter from David Davis to his brother-in-law Joseph H. Scranton, July 11, 1862.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

A letter relating to family events and Davis's feelings on the Civil War.

A letter from David Davis to his brother-in-law Joseph H. Scranton, November 10, 1862.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Family letter discussing the Thanksgiving holiday which was approaching.

A letter from David Davis to Joseph H. Scranton, December 19, 1862.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

David Davis describes his living quarters in Washington D.C., the Battle of Fredericksburg and staying without his wife.

A letter from David Davis to Joseph H. Scranton, January 3, 1863.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Davis writes of personal family information and about meeting President Abraham Lincoln.

Letter from David Davis to President Abraham Lincoln.

Scranton (Pa.)--History, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

David Davis is asking President Lincoln to consider his nephew Joseph A. Scranton (son of Joseph H. Scranton) for a Congressional District Post in Luzerne County.