In the winter of 1861 Confederate forces at the Fairfax Courthouse decided to move to a position further west for the winter. Union troops moved in to fill the vacuum and the Fairfax Courthouse and surrounding city were occupied for the duration of the Civil War. This book, sitting in the Courthouse when Union troops moved in, served as a diversion for Union soldiers to draw, practice their penmanship or write about their wishes for the outcome of the war. These are just a few of the pages from this book, and the 'graffiti' on them can also be found in other buildings in Fairfax City.
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3