American Civil War for Kids - Newspapers

The North: The North had several newspapers. One of the most famous was Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, a weekly. Some of Leslie's reporters were also artists. He sent out his journalist/artists to cover the war, one of which was Winslow Homer, who became quite famous in his own right. (Quite famous!) Leslie created a method that readied illustrations for the newspaper in three days, rather than months that engravings required. This allowed Leslie to quickly bring war news to his readers. He also featured humorous cartoons. One of his cartoonists was Thomas Nast, who also became quite famous in his own right. He had quite a staff! Along with news, rumors, gossip, drawings and cartoons, he published stories. One of the stories he published was written by Louisa May Alcott. His newspaper earned its popularity. His big rival was Harper's Weekly. Both newspapers sent journalist/artists to the battlefield. Journalists risked their lives to send back articles and drawings to be published. 

The South: The South also had newspapers. One of the most famous was the Memphis Daily Appeal.  As Union forces marched through the South, the Daily Appeal kept moving its presses ahead of the Union. The Appeal packed up and moved several times. They escaped Memphis, Atlanta, Macon, and were finally caught in Columbus, Georgia. Union soldiers destroyed the presses, but invited the editor of the Daily Appeal to share their whiskey. And he did.

The Liberator - "AND I WILL BE HEARD"

Winslow Homer (Met Museum)

Thomas Nast, Father of the American Cartoon

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