What type of dress did women wear around the Civil War?

Answer 1

It depended on the area of the country in which they lived. Women in the rural (farming) areas and in the western US would have worn skirts past their ankles (scandalous to show any flesh of the leg!), with fitted blouse, typically long-sleeved. Hoops were often used to make the skirt full, and a bodice and petticoats were common underwear. Period movies such as Gone with the Wind, North and South, and Cold Mountain will give you a good idea of the variety of clothing, depending on region and financial or social status.

Answer 2

they wore dresses with hoop skirts.

go here for pictures:

http://www.cwartillery.org/pastref.html