Reconstruction in Richmond
Information about Reconstruction in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Written Accounts

1870-05-28, Nashville Union and American; most of the clerks at the Richmond post office have resigned or are on strike, citing Miss Van Lew as being a martinet
1870-05-31, description of Decoration Day at Richmond National Cemetery - notes that "many colored people" attended the ceremonies
1870-11-24, Charleston (S. C.) Daily News; report that Elizabeth Van Lew is to be fired as postmaster
1871-01-10, Richmond Daily State Journal; commentary that Miss Van Lew is playing a “losing game” by not delivery franked letters from Congressmen
1871-01-10, Richmond Whig; list of night schools open in Richmond, along with teachers and rates – Chimborazo’s teacher is W. L. Phillips
1871-01-16, Richmond Daily State Journal; the efforts to force Elizabeth Van Lew out of her job have failed – she has filled up the jobs of “those who had withdrawn by some of the most responsible Republicans in this city.” Grant has confidence in her
1871-05-25, Saline County Journal (Salina, Kan.); interesting post-war details of prominent Southerners –names Joseph R. Anderson and Franklin Stearns as two of the wealthiest men in the South.
1871-05-31, description of Decoration Day at Richmond National Cemetery. “Three colored volunteer companies” and “an immense crowd (consisting for the most part of colored persons)” take part in the festivities
1871-07-01, Richmond Daily State Journal; brief mention of “colored school” at Chimborazo
1871-07-01, Richmond Daily State Journal; the Van Lews have applied to the Sothern Claims Commission for rent due since the war, and this needs correction

Page 19 of 24

Go to top