Civil War Soldier Daily Life

Introduction

• Common image of Civil War soldiers: young men in blue or grey uniforms.
• Reality: Soldiers spent more time in non-combat activities.
• Key activities: Duty, drill, and diversion.

Daily Routine

• Morning Routine:
  • Begins at dawn with the bugler blowing reveille.
  • Soldiers rise and fall in for roll call.
  • Assignment to fatigue duties follows, such as:
    • Cooking
    • Cleaning
    • Building roads
    • Care and grooming of horses (artillery/cavalry specific)

Types of Duties

• Guard Duty:
  • Vital for army's safety.
  • Troops stationed throughout the camp and at its far reaches.
  • Often positioned close to the enemy (rifle shot away).

Drill

• Essential for military training.
• Teaches weapon handling, marching in formation, and battlefield maneuvers.
• Forms of Drill:
  • Squad Drill: Led by a non-commissioned officer, involves 6-8 men.
  • Company Drill: Led by a captain, involves up to 100 men.
  • Battalion Drill: Involves all ten companies of a regiment executing large maneuvers.

Diversion and Leisure

• Reading and Writing:

  • Most popular activities.
  • Soldiers sought news from home and the outside world.

• Games and Social Activities:

  • Playing cards and chess.
  • Participation in social clubs like:
    • Bible study groups
    • Glee clubs
    • Drama troupes (performances on special occasions)

Conclusion

• While combat was critical, most of a soldier's life involved duties, drills, and diversions.
• These activities were shared by soldiers regardless of whether they wore blue or grey.