13 Lesser-Known Facts About the Civil War 

Nearly 160 years have passed since the Civil War started, and we’re still uncovering surprising  (and occasionally humorous) details that make us question our knowledge of this monumental war.

They Believed in Old Wives’ Tales

In the Civil War era, there was a widespread belief that firing a cannon over water would cause submerged corpses to float to the surface. 

This peculiar idea even makes an appearance in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Lincoln’s Casual Monikers 

Abraham Lincoln informally referred to Robert E. Lee as “Bobby Lee” and Jefferson Davis as “Jeffy D.” 

To some, these nicknames might sound more like members of a 1960s music band—Bobby Lee & Jeffy D—rather than military and political leaders of the 1860s.

Medals, Medals, and More Medals

The Civil War saw more Medals of Honor awarded than World War I, World War II, and Vietnam combined!

The Deadly Toll of Skipping Handwashing

During the Civil War, although 215,000 soldiers died in battle, an even higher number (238,000) died from disease. Do you still think skipping handwashing is harmless? 

They Owned Slaves

In 1830, the U.S. Census reported that 3,375 free blacks owned 12,740 black slaves. By 1860, while almost 27 million whites lived in the U.S., fewer than 385,000 owned slaves—about 1.4% of the white population. 

Moreover, the 1860 census revealed that 261,988 southern blacks were not slaves, and some owned substantial property, including several who owned more than 65 slaves. In one South Carolina city, blacks claimed over $1.5 million in taxable property, including slaves valued at more than $300,000.

Lincoln’s Decisive Move

Just three days into the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln made a decisive move. 

He issued a public declaration to inform the American populace of an insurrection in the South. To quell this rebellion, Lincoln called upon the state militias, summoning some 75,000 troops to restore order.

They Didn’t Stay Long

Despite his significant roles as a House Representative, a Senator on two separate occasions, and the President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis never managed to complete a full term in any of these positions.

They Invented the Hip Pocket

One fascinating yet lesser-known innovation from the Civil War was the creation of the hip pocket by the U.S. Army, arguably one of the best practical advancements prior to K-rations. 

The Emergence of West Virginia

The birth of West Virginia was marked by months of intense debate among state authorities. In April 1861, Virginians voted to secede from the Union, but the western counties of the state were not in agreement. 

Despite the ongoing political divide during the first two years of the war, the United States officially recognized these dissenting counties as the new state of West Virginia in June 1863.

Canada Was Anything But Quiet

During the Civil War, Canada was far from a neutral bystander. The Confederate Secret Service established a base in Montreal, and Confederates even launched a raid into Vermont from Quebec. 

After the raid, Canadian authorities apprehended and then released the Confederate raiders, causing frustration for the Union.

Hooves as Signals

At Gettysburg Military Park, the statues of Civil War soldiers on horseback once told a silent story of the riders’ fates through the positioning of the horse’s hooves. A statue with all four hooves on the ground meant the officer survived the battle without harm. Three hooves signaled that the officer was wounded, and two indicated death. 

This system—introduced around 1910—helped tour guides educate visitors about the battle’s participants. However, this practice was eventually discontinued by the War Department, as the number of hooves on the ground didn’t always correspond to the fates it purported to represent.

The Tragic End of a Presidency

A dark day in American history occurred when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a pro-Confederacy actor, during a performance at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. 

Booth, seeking vengeance for the South’s defeat, initially evaded capture but was ultimately shot dead by a Union soldier in Virginia 11 days later. Lincoln succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack at the Petersen boardinghouse. The aftermath of his assassination saw nine individuals charged in connection with his murder: one was acquitted, four were hanged, and four were imprisoned.

More Than One Attack

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth was just a part of a wider conspiracy. That same evening, Louis Powell attempted to assassinate Secretary of State William Seward. 

Meanwhile, another conspirator (meant to target Vice President Andrew Johnson) lost his nerve and ended up spending the night at a tavern instead.

Teacher fired after refusing to use student’s preferred pronouns scores major legal victory

Teacher fired after refusing to use student’s preferred pronouns scores major legal victory