"Football" in the Civil War

[Eric Tipton]

Did they play "football" during the Civil War? These two prints show an early form of American "Football", featured in Harper's Weekly. If you have more specific information or an article, please share!

A full page woodcut print of Union soldiers involved in an early football game, showing what must be at least 30 men per side playing football for relaxation. Titled: CAMP JOHNSON, NEAR WINCHESTER, VIRGINIATHE FIRST MARYLAND REGIMENT PLAYING FOOT-BALL BEFORE EVENING PARADE. (Source)



Winslow Homer, Holiday in Camp--Soldiers Playing "Football", from Harper's Weekly, July 15, 1865, wood engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum. (Source)

[Palmyra Possum]

Re: "Football" in the Civil War

Previous thread on the subject. Unfortunately, the photo posted by Ken Raia is no longer there.

https://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?8260-Are-you-ready-for-some-Football!-!&highlight=Christian+End

- - - Updated - - -

Here's the article referenced in the thread.

No_Christian_End (Civil War football).pdf

[Pvt Schnapps]

Re: "Football" in the Civil War

W.S. Lincoln's history of the 34th Mass. reports the following items purchased with the regimental in May, 1863, while encamped in the defenses of Washington:

"We have put into full operation again, our tailors, shoemakers, blacksmiths, and armorers shops, all with a complete outfit of tools, and such stock as is necessary; and all, save the armorers1, purchased with the money raised among ourselves. In addition we have bought our Band instruments, boxing gloves, and foot balls, besides checker and back-gammon boards for the hospital, and have over five hundred dollars in the Regimental Fund. All this money has been raised by monthly assessment upon the officers, in amount, proportioned to their rank. "

Later in the month he writes: "At the request of 'the Boys' all drills have been suspended, that they might engage in a regular game of foot-ball; wing against wing, the Lieutenant Colonel acting as umpire. The weather was intensely hot; the game sharply contested; and, in their desire to win, many of the boys reduced their clothing to shirts, drawers, and stockings. The Colonel, who has been absent in Washington a day or two, drove into camp with a party of lady friends, but turned away at seeing the condition of the men, and subsequently administered a sharp reprimand for what he was pleased to call the 'indecent exhibition.'"