Music and song have had an impact throughout time and the Civil War was no exception. During the Civil War, music and musical instruments served...

Music and song have had an impact throughout time and the Civil War was no exception. During the Civil War, music and musical instruments served a practical purpose. Drums were used to keep soldiers in line. Fifes were popular instruments because they could be heard over cannon noise. And bugles were used as a way to issue commands. Songs from the Civil War served many purposes. They were used to tell stories, be it a soldier's or a slave's. Certain songs were used to inspire troops, while other songs were about a soldier missing home or about people at home missing a soldier. The Civil War was a turbulent time in American history and much was lost. Fortunately, most of the music and songs survived.