A Nation Torn - The American Civil War Period 1861 to 1865

The American Civil War lasted five long years, shaping daily life for families across the nation. Fathers went off to war, while some teenage boys joined as drummer boys or even as soldiers on the front lines. Others remained at home, helping care for younger siblings and take on new responsibilities. In the midst of uncertainty, children still found time to play—often imagining themselves as soldiers—while simple, homemade amusements filled their days.

We do not interpret Native American history in this time period. We respect that the histories and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples are best shared by the Nations and communities to whom they belong, and we encourage visitors to seek out those voices and resources directly.

More to Explore
National Museum of American History - Civil War 150
National Archives - Milestone Documents
National Parks - The Civil War
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian)