At twelve years old, his left hand and arm were shattered by an exploding shell.

William Black (soldier)

William Black
Died June 30, 1872 (aged 19)
Occupation drummer, soldier
Employer U.S. Government
Known for The youngest wounded soldier of the American Civil War

Who was the youngest in the Civil War?

The youngest soldier to fight in the Civil War was a boy named Edward Black. Edward was born on May 30 in 1853, making him just 8 years old when he joined the Union army on July 24, 1861, as a drummer boy for the 21st Indiana volunteers.

Did 15 year olds fight in the Civil War?

Throughout the American Civil War, between 250,000 and 420,000 males under the age of 18 were involved in both Union and Confederate forces. It is estimated that 100,000 Union soldiers were 15 years of age or younger.

What was the age limit for soldiers in the Civil War?





American Civil War Research Database – Union and Confederate Regimental Demonstration. During the war you had to be at least 18 years old to join the military. Men 18-20 years old needed parental permission while those over 45 were considered too old to serve.

Who was the first person killed in the Civil War?

A premature discharge from one cannon caused an explosion that killed Pvt. Daniel Hough of the 1st U.S. Artillery. Not technically a battle death, but it did make Hough the first person killed in the Civil War.

Did 12 year olds fight in the Civil War?

Child Soldiers



Unlike later wars in American history, young people were involved in all aspects of the Civil War, including fighting on the battlefield. William Black, the youngest wounded soldier, was twelve when his left hand and arm were shattered by an exploding shell.

Who won the American Civil War for Kids?



the United States

After four bloody years of conflict, the United States defeated the Confederate States. In the end, the states that were in rebellion were readmitted to the United States, and the institution of slavery was abolished nation-wide. Fact #2: Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States during the Civil War.



What did kids do in the 1860s?

Families whose men went to war made up for their absence. Kids helped run family farms and businesses. They planted and harvested crops, chopped wood, and butchered animals for food. They drove horses, cooked, and cared for siblings.

Did kids still go to school during the Civil War?

About half of the 12 million school-age children in the country went to school. More white children attended school than black children; more native-born Americans attended school than immigrant children.

Why did the Civil War start kid friendly?

The war started after 11 Southern states separated themselves from the United States and formed their own government. Their army fought the forces of the U.S. government. The Civil War threatened to break up the United States.

Who can’t be drafted?



The Vice-President of the United States, the Judges of the various Courts of the Untied States, the heads of the various executive departments of the Government, and the Governors of the several States. 2.

What did Civil War soldiers eat?

Typical fare during the Civil War was very basic. Union soldiers were fed pork or beef, usually salted and boiled to extend the shelf life, coffee, sugar, salt, vinegar, and sometimes dried fruits and vegetables if they were in season.

How tall were soldiers in the Civil War?

The average height of a soldier in the Civil War was five feet, eight inches; when Thomas Marshal Jones enlisted, he was seven feet, six inches tall. He was born in Tuscarawas County on September 16, 1838.

Did 13 year olds fight in the Civil War?

Boys in the Army



Although soldiers were officially supposed to be at least 18 years old, both sides needed soldiers and were willing to look the other way when it came to age. As a result thousands of young boys between the ages of 13 and 17 fought in the Civil War. Many of these boys were killed or wounded in battle.

What was the youngest age to be drafted in the Civil War?



As many as 20% of Civil War soldiers were younger than 18. That was the minimum recruiting age for Union soldiers, but many people willingly overlooked the law. The Confederacy set no minimum age.

Who was the youngest soldier to fight?

Calvin Leon Graham (April 3, 1930 – November 6, 1992) was the youngest U.S. serviceman to serve and fight during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy from Houston, Texas on August 15, 1942, at the age of 12.

Who was the youngest U.S. soldier?

On August 15, 1942, Calvin Graham was sworn into the Navy. He was twelve years, four months and twelve days old, the youngest individual to enlist in the U.S. military since the Civil War and the youngest member of the U.S. military during WWII.

Are any World War 2 veterans alive?

They are dying quickly—according to US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 167,284 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are alive in 2022.

Whats the oldest a soldier can be?

The oldest you can be to enlist for active duty in each branch is:

  • Coast Guard: 31.
  • Marines: 28.
  • Navy: 39.
  • Army: 35.
  • Air Force: 39.
  • Space Force: 39.