Join Will as he goes through what the US soldier should have received as a ration, and how it varied with what was available.

Army cooks were provided mess kettles, pans, and not much information at the beginning of the war. In fact, they were usually men detailed from the ranks for the duty. General Silas Casey recognized this weakness and decided to help. We learn a little about his attempt to help educate the men of ...

Many cavalry officers, including the author of "Volunteer Cavalry" Lessons of a Decade, stated that the '59 pattern McClellan saddle was the best saddle ever to be used in military service. This video is the 1st part in a multipart series exploring the '59 pattern McClellan saddle. More specifica...

Silas Casey wrote a drill manual which was approve in 1862 and became the predominate system of drill in the Union armies later in the Civil War. Here, explore how a group of four man can make a stack of their weapons so they can walk away and not just set them on the ground. Enjoy this update an...

In a soldier's letter, he wrote about finding enough apples to fill his haversack. Let’s enjoy a hot meal that is a far cry from hardtack and coffee! This is an easy and delicious dish to make at home to connect with history.

For all the great characteristics of the '59 issued McClellan Saddle, there were many complaints that soldiers had. Check out this video on what the most common complaints were.

The average civil war cavalry trooper had to carry more than just his weapons. He had to carry his bedroll, shelter, canteen, poncho, picket pin, lariat, haversack, and much more! How and where did they put all of it when riding on campaign?

Here is a quick piece of fieldcraft. Let's learn how to fold the saddle blanket correctly in the Civil War era. What is correct? How did that help a campaigning trooper - and his horse?