What was the average age one had to be to fight in the Civil War?

In: US Civil War

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I believe that in both armies soldiers had to be 17 years old but that requirement was often evaded. I think that musicians and drummer boys could be as young as 12, I'm much less certain of that though. Michael Montagne

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According to the illustrious history, Gone with the Wind, (please note sarcasm) the official age of a drummer boy in the south was fourteen, though apparently, boys often lied in order to participate in the war.

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At the outset of the war, northern troops were required to be over the age of 18. However, there were loopholes. One,the position of cabin boy or 'powder monkey' allowed boys to join the navy at twelve. Also, drummer boys and fifes were a popular position in the army for the downy cheeked. Note the famous nine year-old runaway drummer boy of Shiloh (from Ohio), who stayed in the army - to become Major General years and years later. Think his name was Johnny Clem or something.

First answer by Michael Montagne. Last edit by anonymous. Question popularity: 105 [recommend question]

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