Civil War Re-enactment

Today at SEA, the fifth grade social studies students experienced a day in the life of a Civil War soldier.  Two re-enactors; a Confederate doctor and a Union nurse, portraying surgeons and the medical staff came with all their artifacts to explain and share to our students about the medical profession during the Civil War

The life of a soldier when not fighting was mostly spent drilling on battle techniques and strategies. The rest of the time was trying to overcome boredom. With limited communications, considerable time was spent between battles planning and regrouping. Days would be spent making meals, doing laundry, cutting firewood and writing letters to home. Horse racing, gambling and games such as cards and dominoes helped to relieve the boredom. Soldiers would also sing songs and tell stories around campfires.

After the presentations, the students played chess, dominoes backgammon, checkers, marbles, cards, and dice games.  They also ate home-made beans, cornbread, and drank ale (ginger) and fresh apple juice.  What a day it was in the life of a Civil War soldier here at SEA!  For more photos CLICK HERE.