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Materials Needed

• This lesson is designed for the traditional classroom, although teachers may choose to have students use the Newspaper Transcriptions Browser or the Newspaper Abstract Search Page to find articles about trains on their own.
  
  
• Print and copy the following in advance.
  
  
• Worksheet One: a) The Staunton Spectator, January 11, 1859. "For the Spectator." An open letter to the President of the Central Virginia Railroad complaining of the company's favoritism to the eastern part of the state, and b) the Staunton Vindicator, May 11, 1860. "First of the Season." A report on strawberries available in town as early as May, now that Richmond is only eight hours away by train.
  
  
• Worksheet Two: a) The Franklin Valley Spirit, July 6, 1859. "A Pic Nic." Describes an outdoor event of the Chambersburg Female Seminary hosted by the Franklin Railroad. b) Franklin Valley Spirit, December 7, 1859. "On a Strike." Brief notice of a work stoppage by railroad employees protesting wage cuts of 10 cents a day.
  
  
• Worksheet Three: The Franklin Repository and Transcript, December 21, 1859. Describes the fatal accident of a railroad employee.

• Students should be familiar with the information in the Historical Background section.