Coffee, hardtack, and salt pork comprised the majority of a Civil War Soldier’s diet. While these items may seem crude by twenty-first century standards, they met the nutritional needs of Soldiers at the time. The U.S. Army ration – the amount of food authorized for one Soldier per day – kept Soldier’s stomachs full and gave them the energy to move forward.
In this Virtual Field Trip, explore how the U.S. Army supplied its Soldiers during the Civil War. Learn how Soldiers supplemented their rations and, for many, learned to cook for the visit time. As part of the field trip you’ll also learn how to cook like a Civil War Soldier and make hardtack at home.
Register for the Virtual Field Trip: Hardtack and Hard Times
Live Stream
Jennifer Dubina