There is no better way to understand what was on the minds of people than to read documents written in that era. We have listed the links to these archives for the benefit of reenactors, teachers, and students.
Richmond Daily Dispatch: Online archive of Richmond, Va. daily newspaper 1860-1865
Pennsylvania Civil War Era Newspaper Collection:
Charleston Mercury: Charleston, South Carolina, 1860-1865
Secessionist Era Editorials Project: Furman University Department of History
The National Civil War Association 