Prospects of Peace 1864 Tour: Dry Goods Store

Children loved simple blocks like these, which both entertained and educated.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The military regulated all goods to ensure fairness in quantity and price. They licensed, regulated, and operated businesses to prevent hoarding and trading with the enemy and evading taxes. Treasury agents enforced tax regulations. People attempting to cross the Potomac from enemy territory of Loudoun County were supposed to go to Berlin, Maryland, ordered to take the oath, and remarkably, deal with U.S. Customs to carry on business. All military activities, and shopping, were under the authority of the Post Commander, General Stevenson.  

During the war time Yuletide, the stores catered to soldiers and citizens who hoped that Santa would once again visit their hearths to leave presents for the children. Aimed at children and their parents, a December 1864 newspaper story called “Santa Claus Visits the New York Herald Newspaper Office ” allowed Santa to speak to the editor and comment on what the war had done to Americans and assert the joy that toys could bring to children: “No prima donna sings so deliciously as a little girl putting her doll to sleep…you ask… if I am as busy as ever this year. Busier, sir, busier! There are so many soldier’s children to look after, and alas! so many orphans. To these I am unusually tender, and it is the duty of every man to assist me. Ah, the brave old Christmas times in the South are over until the war is over. The hearthstones are desolate. Children who ought to be playing with popguns are shouldering real muskets in the rebel armies. Oh, sir, it would make you heart bleed if I could tell you of the scenes I have witnessed in Southern homes during the past four years. They were dreadful, dreadful. Merry old man as I am it saddens me to think of them. I went South as long as I could. I kept green the memory of Santa Claus in their hearts for three martial years. But now I find myself shut out by the blockades at every point, and this Christmas they must do without me. Let us hope...that before another Christmas comes round there will be a reunited Union, a permanent peace, and a Santa Claus for all the children.”