Civil War documents provide new look into American history

Letters often provide people with a fascinating and intimate look into the past. Though paper can be difficult to preserve over a long period of time, the advantages of research and reference are great.

According to The Associated Press, the Library of Congress will soon display around 200 documents that were created during the Civil War. The files give additional views on important happenings schoolchildren still study today.

For example, the news provider revealed that the institution found a letter General Robert E. Lee sent to a friend explaining he resigned from the U.S. Army in 1861 because he felt a greater allegiance to his home state of Virginia than the nation.  Also featured is the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation and drafts of the Gettysburg Address.  

To ensure these records are preserved for reference for many generations to come, members of the Library of Congress may want to consider digitizing the documents using conversion services. This process can make sure the information contained within is saved via electronic means, which can help preserve the primary sources, because the old papers would not be handled as frequently.

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