While most of us are familiar with the famous photos of Lincoln and various Generals visiting Civil War camps, we wanted to take a look at what day-to-day life was actually like in the camps. Given that most of the time soldiers were either preparing for battle or waiting their next orders, significant time was spent in camp. These photos give a rare glimpse in to what it was like.
Here we see officers of the 17th New York Battery stationed outside of Washington, D.C. in 1862.
One of the biggest problems regiments encountered during the war was simply staying fed and healthy. The Quartermasters had to build their own kitchens and serving areas. Here we see an example of a log cabin kitchen that was built from timber surrounding the camp.
Camp Stoneman, 1865
Enlisted men had a LOT of downtime; as such, they often filled the time with improvised board or card games.
Most all camps had a few resident "mascots" as you see here. Oftentimes, these dogs would be there as a result of simply following their owners after they enlisted.
This startling photo shows the 2nd Maine Infantry conducting exercises outside of their camps. If you look closely, you'll see the men in perfect formation, with bayonets armed.
This photo gives a look a the standard quarters for one regiment outside Brady Station, Virginia. It certainly wasn't glamorous.
This 1862 photo shows some CSA soldiers who are being held as prisoners.
Surprisingly, most camps had a working Post Office tent after they had established their grounds.
A group of men overlook the Cumberland Landing, Va. Federal encampment on Pamunkey River, Va in May, 1862
Another photo from Brandy Station, Va. Dinner party outside tent, Army of the Potomac headquarters. 1864
Outside Beaufort, S.C. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens (seated) and staff on porch of a house in 1862. Many regiments often set up temporary camps in and around the plantations of the region.
Aquia Creek, Virginia. Captain J.W. Forsyth, the Provost Marshall in February, 1863
Sometimes the kitchens were less than glamorous, as you see here in Captain Ballermine's kitchen as men stop by and begin tasting the soup
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