These are historical diaries and journals from the United States. You can use the navigation menu above to view diaries from specific states.
This is the 1775-1776 journal of Captain William Humphrey, detailing the secret expedition to Quebec under the command of Colonel Benedict Arnold. The journal also captures the ensuing Battle of Quebec during which Captain Humphrey was taken prisoner. He continues his journal as a prisoner of war until he and his comrades were paroled. Table […]
This is the 1878 daily diary of Alice A. Shurtleff, a 15-year-old girl living in Gorham, Maine. Table of Contents Background Selected Images The Diary Comments Background According to a note at the beginning of the diary, 15-year-old Alice A. Shurtleff of Gorham, Maine received this 1878 diary as a gift from her mother on […]
This is the diary of Stephen H. Wright, a soldier in the New York 75th Infantry during the American Civil War (1861-1865) who was captured during the Second Battle of Sabine Pass on September 8, 1863.
This is the 1863 diary of Hulda Comstock, a 17-year-old teacher in Albion, NY. Table of Contents Background Selected Images The Diary Comments Background Hulda Comstock was born in 1846. In this 1863 diary, she lists her location as both Albion, NY and Carlton, NY. Hulda kept this daily diary for the entirety of 1863. […]
This articles details a diary that Clara Kimball Young kept during the year 1921. Clara Kimball Young was a hugely popular American actress during the early silent film era. A 1914 poll showed that she was the most popular actress in America at the time. Clara appeared in over 150 films and was the second […]
This is the 1874 diary of Flora Emaretta Parsons, who turns 20 on July 18 during the diary year. At the beginning of the diary, she is finishing her last year of schooling. In May 1874, she begins working as a school teacher and boarding near the school, sharing with us her hopes and thoughts […]
Background This is the 1861 diary of a teenage boy living in New Lisbon, the seat of Columbiana County, Ohio. His job doing various tasks at a local newspaper ensures that he is well-informed of current events as the American Civil War breaks out. Like any teenager, he is fascinated by soldiers and loves to […]
Background This is a journal written by Edgar J. Doolittle in the summer of 1829 as he visits a small island off the coast of Maine, explores Thomaston on the mainland nearby, and visits Boston on his way back home to Wallingford, CT. Though only 19 years old, he is suffering from a health crisis […]
These are the summer 1907 and summer 1908 diaries of Charles S. Hoff, who is out of his comfort zone in Boulder, Wyoming. He moved to Boulder from California earlier in 1907 after the death of his wife, and he asks himself at one point why he stays. We don’t know exactly why he chose […]
This is the 1892-1893 diary of Elder Fredrick Komp. He was a German immigrant, American Civil War veteran, ordained elder in the Church of God, farmer, and family man. He was an active prohibitionist and helped start the local movement. This diary provides a look at his day-to-day life as a farmer and retired, but […]