The Civil War was fought between 1861-1865 and is widely accepted as one of the most devastating conflicts in United States history. During this time, food preservation methods were still limited, so it was difficult to keep food from spoiling. As a result, a variety of foods were used by soldiers on both sides of the conflict, including canned goods.
At the beginning of the war, the Union Army had access to canned vegetables and meats, which could be quickly prepared and eaten. In addition to these staples, canned peaches, pears and tomatoes were also available for purchase in some locations. In addition to canned goods, salted and dried foods such as beef jerky and hardtack biscuits were also utilized.
The Confederate Army’s access to cans was more limited due to its decentralized supply system, which made it difficult for them to acquire cans from distant locations. Many Confederate soldiers resorted to foraging for food or relying on civilian contributions rather than relying on their own supply lines. As a result, some Confederate troops began eating uncooked cornbread and vegetables that had been cooked with lard or bacon grease in order to preserve them without cans.
Canned goods were not only used by soldiers but also by civilians during this time period. It is believed that many poor families relied heavily on canned goods throughout the war in order to feed their families due to the lack of fresh produce available at the time.
In conclusion, yes they did have access to canned food during the Civil War; however it was more limited for Confederate soldiers due to their decentralized supply system and lack of access to distant locations where they could purchase canned goods. Nevertheless, both sides made use of canned goods as well as other preserved foods such as salted meats and dried biscuits in order to sustain themselves throughout the conflict.