Life on the battlefield was often very boring.  Here are six ways the soldiers of the Civil War battled boredom. The soldiers also had dangerous times while they were not playing games, taking pictures, whittling, writing, making music, or praying.

Playing Games: The soldiers played cards for money and sent it home in the time of need. The most popular game was poker. It was usually played for stakes. They uSed Bullets for poker chips. Soldiers also played board games such as checkers, (droughts), chess, dominoes, and cards. It was not uncommon for a soldier to lose his monthly pay.

Taking Pictures: Many soldiers sent pictures back home to loved ones. Photographs were made in studios in towns or cities as troops marched through. Photographers also went to camps in search of business. During the Civil War cartes-de-visete (French for visiting card) captured images of fathers and sons gone to war. If a soldier didn’t have a picture of a loved one then he would buy a copy of his favorite pinup.

Writing: The arrival of mail played a large roll in the soldier’s lives. Letters from home were critical to boost a soldier’s moral. For those who could write letters, letter writing was very important. The letters had patriotic covers.  The soldiers used clay jars and ink pens. Soldiers often kept diaries and journals.

Whittling: Whittling is an age old past time. Carved from bone were rings, shield pens, corp badges, and lead sinkers.

Praying: Religious activity centered around the camp's Chaplain who often read from the book of Psalms. Soldiers had a bible and a soldier's handbook.

Making Music:  Individually and with groups soldiers played music. Soldiers would often entertain themselves by playing instruments. Popular instruments were drums and the wooden fife. Other instruments were the wooden clappers and Jew's harp.

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