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Muzzle Loading Guns

Muzzle loading guns used artillery shells, which were affixed to a wooden base and a cloth bag filled with one to two pounds of black powder.

The shell was put into the muzzle of the artillery piece and rammed down into the breech of the gun.

Next the bag, which was filled with black powder, was pierced with a sharp wire through a hole at the breech of the gun. This would ignite a friction primer, which is nothing more than a copper tube filled with ignition powder and fulminate of mercury.

Next the artilleryman would pull the lanyard, which would push a serrated wire through the primer; this in turn would ignite the charge and cause the gun to fire.

A good gun crew could load and fire 3 rounds every minute.

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Jul 23, 2011

USS Galena, Ironclad, Battle of Ironclads

The USS Galena was one of the most impressive ironclad ships during the Civil War. In the Civil War, sea-superiority was of high importance.

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Sherman's March, March to the Sea

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Jul 13, 2011

Ball's Bluff, Battle of Ball's Bluff

The Battle of Ball's Bluff, although not as monumental or tactically important during the Civil War as other battles, was a very compelling fight nonetheless.

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Feb 19, 2010

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Dec 5, 2009

Civil War, American Civil War, Reconstruction

The Civil War was a horrific four years for the nation. When it was over, more than 620,000 Americans had died from battle and war-related causes. American had fought against American and in some cases, brother had literally fought against brother.

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Nov 9, 2009

Brass Band, Civil War Music, Civil War Bands

The brass band of the Civil War played a very important role for both armies. They played at recruitment rallies and their music often helped to encourage young men to enlist.

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Nov 9, 2009