Selected Primary Source Documents for Classroom Use

The following units have been adapted from our educational CDs. Additional units will be added to this page—keep checking back!

Civil War Begins in Missouri
The outbreak of war in the spring of 1861 precipitated a crisis in the border state. Missouri's many Southern-leaning citizens, including the governor, drifted toward secession, and Union men like U.S. Attorney Asa Jones debated how to fight the trend without further inflaming public opinion.
- National History Standards
- Teacher Notes
- Document Transcription
- Original Document

Alfred Sinker Joins the Army
Fifteen year-old Alfred Sinker's military career was cut short when his father went to court to demand his discharge from the army. Sinker was one of many boys who joined the military during the Civil War. Some, like Sinker, were discharged when their age was discovered. Many others served out their terms of enlistment.
- Biography
- Teacher Notes
- Original Document