This series contains a wide variety of papers which document the scope of the centennial observances across the nation. Of particular interest are the documents issued by the United States Civil War Centennial Commission, the national body established by Congress to coordinate the local observances and set the theme of the national observance of the centennial and those of the Confederate States Centennial Conference, an organization of southern state commissions. Many of the pamphlets and brochures were issued by various localities and centennial commissions in order to utilize the national interest in the War in the promotion of their local tourist industry.