When Did the Last Civil War Veteran Die?
The American Civil War, fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) from 1861 to 1865, was one of the most devastating conflicts in American history. The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians, making it the deadliest war in American history. As the years went by, the number of Civil War veterans dwindled, and the last surviving veteran eventually passed away.
The Final Years of the Civil War Veterans
By the early 20th century, the number of Civil War veterans had significantly decreased. Many had died from old age, disease, or injuries sustained during the war. In 1914, the last surviving Union veteran, Albert Woolson, passed away at the age of 92. Woolson was a drummer boy during the war and had been the last surviving member of the Union Army.
**The Search for the Last Confederate Veteran**
The search for the last Confederate veteran was a more challenging task. Many Confederate veterans had changed their names or moved to other states to avoid persecution or to start anew. Additionally, the Confederate government did not keep accurate records of its soldiers, making it difficult to track down the last surviving veteran.
Who Was the Last Confederate Veteran?
In 1942, a group of researchers from the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a historical preservation organization, launched a search for the last Confederate veteran. After months of research, they finally found the last surviving Confederate veteran, Walter D. Johnston, who was living in a nursing home in Texas.
**Walter D. Johnston: The Last Confederate Veteran**
Walter D. Johnston was born on July 12, 1843, in South Carolina. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at the age of 18 and served for four years. After the war, he moved to Texas, where he worked as a farmer and later became a lawyer. Johnston married twice and had several children. He was 99 years old when he passed away on September 21, 1942.
Timeline of the Last Civil War Veterans
Here is a timeline of the last Civil War veterans:
Year | Last Union Veteran | Last Confederate Veteran |
---|---|---|
1914 | Albert Woolson | – |
1929 | Frank Thompson | – |
1939 | John Salling | – |
1942 | – | Walter D. Johnston |
Conclusion
The passing of Walter D. Johnston in 1942 marked the end of an era. The last Civil War veterans had finally succumbed to the passage of time, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism. Their stories serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of preserving our nation’s history.
Additional Facts
• The last Civil War veteran to die in combat was Private William H. Powell, who was killed in action on June 2, 1864, during the Battle of Piedmont.
• The oldest known Civil War veteran was John Salling, who lived to be 110 years old.
• The last Civil War veteran to receive a pension was Emma J. Edmonds, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the war. She received a pension until her death in 1956.
In conclusion, the last Civil War veteran, Walter D. Johnston, passed away on September 21, 1942, at the age of 99. His legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the American Civil War and the importance of preserving our nation’s history.