soldier life and profile
the life of a soldier in the 1860’s was difficult and for the thousands of young americans who left home to fight for their cause, it was an experience none of them would ever forget. military service meant many months away from home and loved ones, long hours of drill, often inadequate food or shelter, disease, and many days of marching on hot, dusty roads or in a driving rainstorm burdened with everything a man needed to be a soldier as well as baggage enough to make his life as comfortable as possible.
the average soldier in both armies was in his 20s. usually from a farming family, they would leave their plantations and farms to serve their country, whether it be by volunteering or by the draft.
the average soldier in both armies was in his 20s. usually from a farming family, they would leave their plantations and farms to serve their country, whether it be by volunteering or by the draft.