Download Volume One in PDF
Download Volume Two in PDF
Download Volume Three in PDF
Download Volume Four in PDF
Who was George Templeton Strong?
George Templeton Strong (born 1820) was a real estate attorney in New York City. It is rather an understatement to say he moved in high social circles. Basically, he knew everybody rich or important in NYC. For almost 40 years GTS kept a detailed diary. His observations of NYC daily life are astounding. His diary (volume 3) during the Civil War years has been referred to as 'a foundation document in American history.' American Heritage calls his diary 'a treasure trove for pillaging historians.'
In 1952 the historian Allan Nevins edited the diaries and they were printed in four attractive volumes. Those volumes are now 70 years old. They can occasionally be found for sale, but you can expect to pay $350 for a set or you can just download these PDF versions for free. If you love American history, you just found a new best friend.
If you watched Ken Burns series 'Civil War' you may recall the diaries of GTS were quoted constantly. You are already somewhat familiar with this work.
Some interesting pictures from the life of GTS
Young George Templeton Strong
Photo made in the Matthew Brady Studios
GTS in 1866
This is what a handwritten page looks like. Can you imagine typing 2,250 pages of this?
Often adorned with photos and cartoons
Mrs. GTS
Working with the Sanitary Commission during Civil War.
The Sanitary Commission provided nurses, doctors and medical supplies to wounded soldiers (either side) during the war.
A noble job in any century.
GTS after the war, in 1870.
Niblo's - A favorite watering hole on Broadway.
Send an email to the author of this page
read the American Heritage article about the diary
read the Wikipedia article about GTS
A READING SUGGESTION:
If you are going to do a lot of PDF reading on the computer monitor, I think you will find it highly useful to rotate one of your monitors to the vertical position. That way it better fits a book page shape, You will aslo notice a monitor is larger that a paper book, which makes it easier to read.