What was the average age of a Gettysburg soldier?

Answer 1

The armies that fought the Battle of Gettysburg were similar in many ways. They were organized in a similar fashion of "rank and file" with privates and sergeants, lieutenants and captains, majors and colonels, quartermasters and clerks, teamsters and ordnance officers. Both armies drilled using similar instruction manuals, marched to an almost identical drum beat, used similar weapons, and lived most of their soldier days in tented camps or sleeping under the stars. The soldiers who wore the blue and the gray also shared many similarities. Most had been farmers before the war, thrust into the conflict as volunteers in 1861 with the belief the war would last only a few short months. Others joined later or were conscripted (drafted) into service, convinced that they were needed but uncertain of their place in protecting their homes while being so far away from them. Still others were "substitutes" paid to join the army by others rich enough to afford the $300 neceesary to buy another man's services. Though politics and causes were different, Yank and Reb alike served to protect their homes, their states, and the rights for which each soldier deeply believed just. Most of the soldiers were young men,

the average age approximately 21 years. By the summer of 1863,

these young men were hardened veterans of war, experienced to the rigors of marching long distances and the horror of battle. For most, war-time service was a brutal journey into manhood.

Answer 2

The armies that fought the Battle of Gettysburg were similar in many ways. They were organized in a similar fashion of "rank and file" with privates and sergeants, lieutenants and captains, majors and colonels, quartermasters and clerks, teamsters and ordnance officers. Both armies drilled using similar instruction manuals, marched to an almost identical drum beat, used similar weapons, and lived most of their soldier days in tented camps or sleeping under the stars. The soldiers who wore the blue and the gray also shared many similarities. Most had been farmers before the war, thrust into the conflict as volunteers in 1861 with the belief the war would last only a few short months. Others joined later or were conscripted (drafted) into service, convinced that they were needed but uncertain of their place in protecting their homes while being so far away from them. Still others were "substitutes" paid to join the army by others rich enough to afford the $300 neceesary to buy another man's services. Though politics and causes were different, Yank and Reb alike served to protect their homes, their states, and the rights for which each soldier deeply believed just. Most of the soldiers were young men, the average age approximately 21 years. By the summer of 1863, these young men were hardened veterans of war, experienced to the rigors of marching long distances and the horror of battle. For most, war-time service was a brutal journey into manhood. Just like in our wars today - the young men are the ones who are affronted to face the harshness and cruelty of war - 21 years of age was and is still the average age of our warriors. Hmmmmm

Answer 3

Most were between the age of 18 to 35. I've read in many history books that nearly 2/5 of all Civil War soldiers were underage (under the age of 18) or 18. So I'd say an average would be maybe 18 to 21.

Answer 4

Most of the soldiers were young men, the average age approximately 21 years.

Answer 5

The Battle of Gettysburg
(July 1-3, 1863)

Gettysburg: The Battle on the Right
By Colonel Wm. C. Oates, of Alabama

http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/regimental/alabama/confederate/15thAlabama/gettysburg.cfm

On November 19, President Lincoln went to the battlefield to dedicate it as a military cemetery. The main orator, Edward Everett of Massachusetts, delivered a two hour formal address. The president then had his turn. He spoke in his high, penetrating voice and in a little over two minutes delivered the Gettysburg Address, surprising many in the audience by its shortness and leaving others quite unimpressed.

Over time, however, the speech and its words - government of the People, by the People, for the People - have come to symbolize the definition of democracy itself.

http://www.historyplace.com/civilwar/battle.htm

The impact of Gettysburg was heavy on either side, and spurred the famous Gettysburg address. After the decimation of the Lee's army, and the General Ulysses S. Grant , the North had gained the offensive and a distinct advantage over the Confederate states.

http://library.thinkquest.org/3055/graphics/experience/battles/gettysburg.html

http://www.civilwarhome.com/gettysbu.htm

On June 24, 1863, General Robert E. Lee led his Confederate Army across the Potomac River and headed towards Pennsylvania.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/gtburg.htm

http://www.historyplace.com/civilwar/index.html#gettys

The Selected Civil War Photographs Collection contains 1,118 photographs. Most of the images were made under the supervision of Mathew B. Brady, and include scenes of military personnel, preparations for battle, and battle after-effects. The collection also includes portraits of both Confederate and Union officers, and a selection of enlisted men.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/cwphome.html

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mcc:@field(DOCID+@lit(mcc/051))


Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.

Answer 6

around 20 or 21.

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