Feast & Famine: Army Rations the Civil War

During the American Civil War the standard army ration was the same for both Federal and Confederate armies. Each ration was divided into five components ---meat, flour, vegetable, coffee/sugar, and seasoning. Commissioned officers in the United States Army did not draw rations directly. They were given a cash allowance that was used to purchase food from the Commissary; while commissioned officers in the Confederate Army drew the same ration as privates. Depending upon the season, the region of the country and the availability, the food that was actually issued varied dramatically.

During the Civil War, soldiers did not rely solely upon the government for food either. Foraging, or taking food from the land and farms in the path of the army, was common in all armies. Soldiers could also purchase food from sutlers and received food from family and friends who sent it to camp.  

This presentation will describe the food soldier's actual ate and how they cooked it through looking at original ration returns, diaries, letters and cooking equipment.  

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

The display and talk will be in the lobby of the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center at 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21704

Latitude and Longitude 39.377221, -77.395606

Schedule

The Feast and Famine display and talk will be located in the lobby of the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center from 10am to 4pm.

Contact Information

Matt Borders
301-662-3515
Contact Us

Event Type

• Cultural/Craft Demonstration
• Living History