Shadows of the Past: Chronicles of Life in Antebellum America

Antebellum history often focuses on the national and state circumstances facing the American people at the time. From the end of the War of 1812 until the beginning of the Civil War, America was struggling to find common ground on numerous problems dividing the country. Ultimately, the government failed to prevent the outbreak of civil war.

But behind the scenes, during all the decades of political maneuvering, ordinary citizens throughout the country were still living their lives. People wo...