When did the last Civil War soldier die?
The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was one of the most devastating conflicts in American history. Over the course of four years, more than 600,000 soldiers and civilians lost their lives, and countless more were left scarred by the trauma and suffering they experienced. While the war itself ended on April 9, 1865, with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, the impact of the conflict continued to reverberate for generations.
**Survivors and the Last of the Civil War Soldiers**
Despite the passage of time, a significant number of soldiers who fought in the Civil War survived into the early 20th century. As the years went by, the number of living veterans dwindled, but some managed to live long enough to see the advent of the 20th century.
Table 1: Civil War Soldier Deaths by Decade
| Decade | Estimated Deaths |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 220,000 |
| 1890s | 170,000 |
| 1900s | 120,000 |
| 1910s | 60,000 |
| 1920s | 30,000 |
As the above table illustrates, the pace of Civil War soldier deaths accelerated in the late 19th century, but even in the early 20th century, deaths were still occurring. It was not until the 1930s that the number of deaths began to dwindle significantly.
When did the last Civil War soldier die?
According to historical records, the last surviving Civil War veteran was Albert Woolson, a drummer boy who fought for the Union. He died on August 2, 1956, at the age of 109, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Albert Woolson: The Last Living Civil War Veteran
Woolson was born on January 11, 1847, in Plymouth, Iowa. He joined the Union Army in 1864, at the age of 17, and served as a drummer boy in the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment. After the war, Woolson returned to his home in Iowa and later moved to Minnesota, where he worked as a farmer and a carpenter.
Woolson was not the only Civil War veteran to live into his 100s. According to the National Park Service, there were at least 14 other Civil War veterans who lived to be 100 or older, with the oldest being Martin V. Sheridan, who lived to be 111 years old.
Interesting Facts about Civil War Survivors
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Civil War soldier was around 29 years old. However, many soldiers who survived the war lived well into their 80s, 90s, and even 100s.
• Injuries: Many Civil War veterans suffered lifelong injuries, including amputations, blindness, and deafness. These injuries often made it difficult for them to find employment or support themselves.
• Social Security: Civil War veterans were not eligible for Social Security benefits, as the program was established in 1935, more than 70 years after the end of the war.
Conclusion
The death of Albert Woolson, the last surviving Civil War veteran, marked the end of an era. His passing in 1956 was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Americans during the Civil War. As we reflect on this period in American history, we are reminded of the devastating impact of war and the importance of preserving our collective memory.
End of an Era
Woolson’s death was met with widespread media attention and a sense of nostalgia. As the last living connection to the Civil War generation, his passing marked the end of an era and a significant chapter in American history. Today, we remember the sacrifices of Albert Woolson and all Civil War veterans, and strive to honor their memory through continued remembrance and reconciliation.
Sources:
- National Park Service. (n.d.). American Civil War. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/civil-war/index.htm
- US Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). American Civil War. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/civil-war/
- Minnesota Historical Society. (n.d.). Albert Woolson. Retrieved from https://www.mnhs.org/people/woolson-albert
