Perhaps one reason the Civil War lives on so vividly in our memories and imaginations is the many fascinating first-hand accounts that have been passed on, both at the time and in later years. Here are some accounts that would have been published by participants who were still alive and well able to remember the events at the time - even if they didn't write them down when they were happening. Though I don't usually pick "favorites," of the articles below I most strongly recommend the "War Diary of a Union Woman in the South." Apparently this lady, who wished to remain anonymous, encountered the well known journalist George Cable on a train, and passed him her diary in hopes that he would find something in it worth publishing. He, in turn, caused it to be published in Century Magazine. It was published in two parts, with the section on the Siege of Vicksburg published in 1885, and the remainder published in 1889. It remains a page-turner to this day.

Confederate Make-Shifts, by Mrs. M.P. Handy (Harper's Monthly, 1876A)

A fascinating look at how Southern women learned to "make do" during the war.

A War Reminiscence, by William M. Pegram (Scribner's, 1879A)

The Cook of the Confederate Army (Scribner's, 1879B)

Recollections of a Drummer Boy, by Harry M. Kieffer (St. Nicholas, 1882A)

A drummer-boy's experiences in the Civil War.

Lights and Shadows of Army Life, by George F. Williams (Century Magazine, 1884B)

New Orleans Before the Capture, by George W. Cable (Century Magazine, 1885A)

Recollections of a Private, by Warren Goss (Century Magazine, 1885A)

This account covers a number of battles and campaigns, beginning with Bull Run.

A Virginia Girl in the First Year of the War, by C.C. Harrison (Century Magazine, 1885B)

In the Wake of Battle, by Maria Blunt (Century Magazine, 1886B)

A woman's recollection of Shepherdstown during Antietam week.

Army Hospitals and Cases, by Walt Whitman (Century Magazine, 1888B)

Subtitled "Memoranda at the Time, 1863-1866."

Hard Times in the Confederacy, by A.C. Gordon (Century Magazine, 1888B)

Though not precisely a journal, this is a fascinating look at how Southerners coped with a steady shrinkage of supplies.

A View of the Confederacy from the Inside, by J.A. Campbell (Century Magazine, 1889B)

War Diary of a Union Woman in the South, edited by George W. Cable (Century Magazine, 1889B)

This anonymous journal offers a fascinating account of the life of a Northern woman living in the South during the course of the war. It is generally attributed to Dora Miller; it was given to journalist George Cable, who edited it for Century Magazine. The section on the Siege of Vicksburg was published separately (see below).

A Woman's Diary of the Siege of Vicksburg (Century Magazine, 1885B)

A Hard Road to Travel Out of Dixie, by W.H. Shelton (Century Magazine, 1890B)

Walt Whitman in War-Time (Century Magazine, 1893B)

"Hospital letters" from Walt Whitman to his mother during the Civil War.

• See also Prisoners of War for personal accounts of POW life on both sides.