Life As A Civil War Soldier

Pictured: James Wilson Young Middle School students and members of the 6^th New York Independent Battery are pictured with one of the infantry’s canons. 

Photos courtesy of the Bayport-Blue Point School District

The smell of wood smoke wafted over the property of James Wilson Young Middle School as members of the 6^th New York Independent Battery set up a Civil War Encampment.

James Wilson Young Middle School student Chris V. is dressed in clothes like those used in the Civil War by 6th New York Independent Battery members, left, Ms. Brinkman and, right, Mr. McKendrick.

The reenactment was a culmination of study of the Civil War by seventh grade social studies students and provided an opportunity for history to come alive, explained librarian Sue Brinkman. During the presentation, the students learned that being a soldier at this time period was extremely difficult. They learned how the soldiers set up camp, procured food, dealt with sanitation issues and the clothing they wore. They also watched as the reenactors set off the canon.

Members of the 6th New York Independent Battery prepared the canon for students at James Wilson Young Middle School who just finished a study of the Civil War.

Ms. Brinkman, who is a member of the 6^th New York Independent Battery, said, “I want this experience to stick with the students. I want to ask them questions that make them think and show them artifacts to bring history alive for them.”