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Hannibal Hamlin, ca. 1850

Hannibal Hamlin, ca. 1850
Item 28787   info
Hamlin Memorial Library and Museum

Newspapers that covered Bethel during the Civil War were important because they helped citizens stay involved and knowledgeable about what was happening so far away.

One local historian stated, "Much of what we know about the effect of the war upon Bethel is found in the period newspapers of the era. Reports of wounds and death were often described in detail as they happened and could not have helped but have had an effect upon those on the home front, especially when the numbers who attended funerals for dead soldiers are considered."

In addition to informing civilians what was going on in the war zone, newspapers also promoted morale by urging families to write to their soldiers.

Bethel's first newspaper, The Bethel Courier, was published from 1858 to 1861.

The Oxford Democrat, published at nearby Paris Hill, took over local news reporting after the Courier ceased to appear.

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