Did Civil War Soldiers Have Canned Food?

When discussing the Civil War, many people think of the battles, the strategies, and the uniforms worn by soldiers. However, one aspect often overlooked is the food that soldiers ate. While most soldiers had to rely on rations and other staples provided by the military, some had access to canned food.

Canned foods had just become available during this period of time. The technology to can food was developed in 1809 by Nicholas Appert and was adopted by the French army in 1812. As a result of Appert’s work, canned food became commonplace for military use during the American Civil War.

The Union Army was one of the first to take advantage of this new technology. During their campaigns they brought with them canned meats, vegetables, and fruits which could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. Canned foods were also used as a way to supplement rations when food supplies ran low.

The Confederacy also made use of canned food during their campaigns. Although they did not have access to the same technology as their northern counterparts, they still managed to make use of what resources they had available. Many confederate troops made use of locally grown and preserved vegetables such as onions and turnips as well as smoked or salted meats.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it can be seen that both sides had access to canned foods during the Civil War. While it was not always available in abundance, it was still used by both Union and Confederate troops as a way to supplement their diets when needed.