The Isaac Plumb, Jr. Family Papers, 1767-1929 (bulk 1859-1864), documents the Civil War from the soldier's perspective as well as the home front, detailing the day-to-day life of a Union soldier, with vivid descriptions of camp life, marches, battles, aftermath of battles, upheaval of the ranks, morale issues, and disillusionment; and from the perspective of family and friends not involved in the fighting, but actively offering opinions of politics and military tactics, and expressing their fear and worry about their loved ones.

The collection is arranged in two series, "Captain Isaac Plumb Papers, 1859-1864" and "Plumb Family Papers, 1767-1929." Researchers should be aware that Plumb family material may be found within Captain Plumb's correspondence, as the correspondence has been maintained as a complete set of letters to and from Plumb during his service.