Soldier Life
From Camp to the Battlefield
The experiences of soldiers in the wars that defined America demonstrate the sacrifices made for a new birth of freedom.
Explore Soldier Life
"At Once We Began Digging Trenches"
This account by a South Carolina infantryman shares recollections of early war drilling and preparing simple entrenchments near Manassas during the...
Highlights of the Gettysburg Base Ball Festival
Take a behind-the-scenes look at a Civil War-era “base ball” tournament and see how America’s pastime has evolved — and remained the same — over the...
"The Unearthly Sounds Known Only To Men Who Have Been Through The Battle"
Elbridge J. Copp wrote about his regiment's advance near Drewry's Bluff in May 1864 during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign.
"Changed a Retreat into a Bayonet Charge"
Private George L. Kilmer of the 6th Alabama wrote this account of his regiment in battle at Seven Pines on May 31, 1862.
"Would Dig Our Ditch About Four Feet Wide"
Sergeant W.R. Eddington of the 97th Illinois Infantry wrote a description of some of the entrenchments constructed by Union troops during the Siege of...
"Protection From the Yankee Bullets"
The following excerpts are from Louis Leon's diary and include part of the Mine Run Campaign from November 1863.
More About Soldier Life
- Winter Encampments »
- Pastimes of the 1860’s »
- Military Pay during the Civil War »
- Andersonville Prison »
- Who Fought? »
- The People of the Civil War Era »
- Combat Strategy in the Revolutionary War »
- Female Soldiers in the Civil War »
- Religion in the Civil War »
- Infantry Tactics During the Civil War »
- Warfare & Logistics »
- Battlefield Death in the Civil War »
- The Fighting Man of the Continental Army »
- African Americans and the War for Independence »
- Washington Inoculates an Army »
- Medicine »
- Prisoners During the Civil War »
- Senses of the Civil War: Taste »
- Senses of the Civil War: Sight »
- Senses of the Civil War: Sound »
- Senses of the Civil War: Touch »
- Senses of the Civil War: Smell »
- Black Soldiers in the Civil War »
- Battling Monotony »
- Take Me Out to the Vintage Ball Game! »
- Troupe Movements »
- Battle of the Bands »