Civil War Food

American Civil War food played an important role in the lives of traveling soldiers and those who remained at home. It has an important role in my life, too! Food is a basic necessity.

Civil War Food Rations
The "food" provided in Civil War rations was often unappealing and unhealthy, focusing on filling the men rather than giving them energy to travel and fight.

Civil War Recipes
Try preparing some traditional dishes with authentic Civil War recipes using foods from the era.

Reviews of Gettysburg Restaurants
Share your favorite Gettysburg restaurants and get ideas about other places to try with great food and unique atmospheres.

Did you know? Food as Medicine
Dr. John Hay Terrill reduced the smallpox death rate of Civil War prisoners of war from 90% to 5% just by giving his patients uncooked sauerkraut. The good bacteria in lacto-fermented foods act as probiotics that keep bad germs from growing! You can learn more by reading about sauerkraut here or visiting the Civil War Cemetery and Pest House in Lynchburg, VA.