Hello, I have found that the word, timeline, is useful when learning about history. If you go to this web site, you will find an "epidemic timeline." http://hawkshome.net/misc_items/events/epidemic_timeline.htm And, if you search for that term, you will find other sites. And, if you are interested in the history of a State, using the word, timeline, in your on-line search, will hopefully find useful sites. Betty (near Lowell, MA) FYI: My ancestors in northern Maine lost a son and daughter-in-law within a year of their marriage, and a 16-year-old daughter, during the 1860's. It is my hunch that there was a "flu epidemic" in that area at the time. Something which has been discussed on a few Lists this month is Diptheria, which it turns out is a nasty disease.