When did last civil war vet die?

When Did the Last Civil War Vet Die?

The American Civil War, fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) from 1861 to 1865, was a brutal and devastating conflict that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians. The war was fought over issues such as slavery, states’ rights, and economic and cultural differences between the North and South.

Last Civil War Veteran Dies in 1956

The last surviving veteran of the American Civil War was Albert Woolson, who died on August 2, 1956, at the age of 109. Woolson was born on September 28, 1847, in Caledonia, Minnesota, and enlisted in the Union Army in 1864 at the age of 17. He served as a drummer boy in the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment and was present at the Battle of Fort Blakely in Alabama, where he was wounded.

Other Notable Civil War Veterans

While Albert Woolson was the last surviving veteran of the Civil War, there were several other notable Civil War veterans who lived into the 20th century. Some of these veterans include:

• William F. Powell, who died in 1955 at the age of 104. Powell was born in 1851 in Ohio and served in the Union Army as a drummer boy. He was wounded at the Battle of Antietam and later served in the Spanish-American War.
• John Salling, who died in 1953 at the age of 104. Salling was born in 1849 in North Carolina and served in the Confederate Army as a private. He was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and later moved to Texas, where he lived until his death.
• James Hard, who died in 1945 at the age of 101. Hard was born in 1844 in Kentucky and served in the Union Army as a private. He was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh and later served in the Spanish-American War.

Civil War Veterans’ Experience

The Civil War was a brutal and devastating conflict that had a profound impact on those who fought in it. Many Civil War veterans suffered from physical and emotional scars, including:

• Physical disabilities: Many veterans returned from the war with physical disabilities, including amputations, blindness, and hearing loss.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The trauma of war often led to mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Social isolation: Many veterans struggled to reintegrate into society after the war, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Legacy of the Civil War

The Civil War had a profound impact on American society and politics. Some of the key legacies of the war include:

• Abolition of slavery: The Civil War led to the abolition of slavery in the United States, as outlined in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
• Reconstruction Era: The war led to the Reconstruction Era, during which the South was occupied by federal troops and attempts were made to establish civil rights for African Americans.
• Modernization of the military: The Civil War led to significant changes in the way the military was organized and equipped, including the introduction of new technologies such as the rifled cannon and the machine gun.

Conclusion

The last surviving veteran of the American Civil War, Albert Woolson, died in 1956 at the age of 109. Woolson’s death marked the end of an era, as the last living link to the Civil War disappeared. The Civil War was a pivotal moment in American history, and its legacy continues to shape American society and politics today.

Table: Last Civil War Veterans

Bullets: Key Dates

• 1861-1865: American Civil War
• 1945: James Hard dies at age 101
• 1953: John Salling dies at age 104
• 1955: William F. Powell dies at age 104
• 1956: Albert Woolson dies at age 109