The Dog Days of August and Civil War Animals

Hear fascinating stories of animals serving in the Civil War.

Join us as we enter the Dog Days of August at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine! On August 5 at 2:00 PM author and museum volunteer Brad Stone will discuss how animals served our nation during the Civil War.

Animals played an indispensable role in nearly every major aspect of the Civil War. Farm animals were sources of vital food and war materials. Animal derived medical supplies help treat wounded or ailing soldiers. Horses and mules transported essential supplies to the armies. Horse cavalry enhanced armies’ offensive and intelligence operations. And animal mascots of all shapes and sizes comforted and inspired soldiers on the battlefront.

These contributions were made by a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, camels, badgers, pigs, eagles, and silkworms. Even elephants almost played a role in the Union War effort. This presentation tells their story and how their service and sacrifice left a legacy that continues in our military to this very day.

The presentation is included with admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and FREE for NMCWM members.

Brad Stone enjoyed a long public affairs career with the U.S. government, including as a senior director of media relations at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He currently volunteers as a docent at both the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, MD and aboard the U.S.S. Constellation in Baltimore Harbor. He has presented on a variety of Civil War topics at several venues including the Gettysburg Heritage Center in Gettysburg, PA; the Antietam National Battlefield Park in Antietam, MD; and the U.S. Navy Museum at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC. Several of his talks have been nationally televised on C-SPAN3 American History TV.

His book on this subject, HOOVES, PAWS & CLAWS FOR THE CAUSE: ANIMALS IN THE U.S. CIVIL WAR will be published by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.