I have some American Civil War crafts for kids and a fun raspberry jam recipe. You’ll also love the lapbook and unit study I have on my page War Between the States Unit Study and Lapbook.
A civil war is a war between two groups of people within the same nation.
The American Civil War was fought between North and South when Abraham Lincoln was elected as president in 1860.
Simply put, he wanted to keep the states of the union together and to end slavery.
It was a war that pitted state against state and brother against brother with heavy losses of life, property, and morale on both sides of the line.
The last time a war had taken place on American soil was in the War of 1812.
It finally ended with surrender, starting with a letter from Ulysses S. Grant to Robert E. Lee on April 7.
On April 26, 1865 Johnston surrendered to Sherman in North Carolina.
American Civil War Books & Resources
Next, look at some of these books to learn about the War Between the States.
20 American Civil War Books & Resources
Your kids will love these resources and hands-on to learn about the American Civil War.
In 1861, America is on the cusp of war, and young Jethro Creighton is just nine-years-old. His brother, Tom, and his cousin, Eb, are both of fighting age. As Jethro's family is pulled into the conflict between the North and the South, loyalties are divided, dreams are threatened, and their bonds are put to the test in this heart-wrenching, coming of age story.
History comes alive for kids like no textbook can in this epic account of the American Civil War that's perfect for history buffs and reluctant readers!From courageous cavalry rides deep into enemy territory to harrowing covert missions undertaken by spies and soldiers, the events of the American Civil War were filled with daring figures and amazing feats. This exhilarating overview covers the biggest battles as well as captivating lesser-known moments to entertain kids with unbelievable (and totally true) tales of one of America's most fascinating conflicts.History buff, Civil War reenactor, and popular blogger Ben Thompson uses his extensive knowledge and vivid storytelling style to bring the Civil War to life in this first book in a thrilling new series featuring incredible people, events, and civilizations. Get ready to learn just how awesome history can be!
Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?
Canadian-born Emma Edmonds loved the thrill of adventure and chasing freedom, so in 1861 when the Civil War began, she enlisted in the Union Army. With cropped hair and men’s clothing, Emma transformed herself into a peddler, slave, bookkeeper and more, seamlessly gathering information and safely escaping each time. This fictionalized biography about the daring exploits of a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death for the sake of freedom, will inspire readers for generations to come.
Earnest, plain-spoken sixteen-year-old Jeff Bussey has finally gotten his father’s consent to join the Union volunteers. It’s 1861 in Linn County, Kansas, and Jeff is eager to fight for the North before the war is over, which he’s sure will be soon.
But weeks turn to months, the marches through fields and woods prove endless, hunger and exhaustion seem to take up permanent residence in Jeff’s bones, and he learns what it really means to fight in battle—and to lose friends. When he finds himself among enemy troops, he’ll have to put this life on the line to advance the Union cause.
Thoroughly researched and based on firsthand accounts, Rifles for Watie “should hold a place with the best Civil War fiction for young people” (The Horn Book).
A strong choice for independent reading and for sharing in a classroom and for homeschooling. As a homeschool cooperative teacher commented: "The book has launched many discussions in our class. When a person is on one side of a conflict, it is important to remember that people on the other side are also people. Jeff is a perfect model for how treating people with respect can happen even in war."
In this brilliant fictional tour de force, which the New York Times called "a deft, poignant novel," Newbery Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman re-creates the first great battle of the Civil War from the points of view of sixteen participants.
Northern and Southern, male and female, white and black. Here are voices that tell of the dreams of glory, the grim reality, the hopes, horror, and folly of a nation discovering the true nature of war.
Willie might be too young to be a fighter, but he's brave enough to be a drummer.Ten-year-old Willie Johnston is too young to be a soldier in Mr. Lincoln's army. So he joins as a drummer boy, instead. Part of Willie's job is rousing the troops in the morning with his drum—the other part is being the last to retreat in battles. In this true story, Willie shows he's brave enough to keep beating his drum, but will he be lucky enough to survive the war?"Scrupulously researched and overflowing with evocative detail . . . Willie's tale is authentic and engaging."—Kirkus Reviews
A fictionalized biography of Anna Blair Ethridge, a Union Army nurse.
Very popular among reenactors, this book explains what was worn, by whom, and in what combinations. With more than 300 photographs, it provides invaluable information on the dress styles and designs of women's clothing in the 19th century. It also includes descriptions of accessories and construction tips for those involved with reenactments and living history. Now in use extensively in the Hollywood film industry.
Unforgettable History! Great Battles for Boys is the bestselling history series that sends young readers “into the fight.” Boys learn about the military leaders, weapons, and strategies that won—or lost—history's most important military battles.
Twelve-year-old Will wants to be a drummer in the Union army, but he's stuck far from the fighting in his sleepy hometown of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then the Union and Confederate armies meet in Gettysburg, and Will and his family are caught up in the ferocious fighting. From delivering important messages and helping captured slaves escape Confederate soldiers to even saving a young soldier's life, Will takes readers on a journey through one of the Civil War's most significant battles. And when the fighting is finally over, Will witnesses President Lincoln deliver his famous Gettysburg Address, and he knows firsthand the truth behind his words.
The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven’t ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire immediate family? And now Will has to leave his comfortable home in the Shenandoah Valley and live with relatives he has never met, people struggling to eke out a living on their farm in the war-torn Virginia Piedmont. But the worst of it is that Will’s uncle Jed had refused to fight for the Confederacy. At first, Will regards his uncle as a traitor—or at least a coward. But as they work side by side, Will begins to respect the man. And when he sees his uncle stand up for what he believes in, Will realizes that he must rethink his definition of honor and courage.
Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.
This first volume of Shelby Foote's classic narrative of the Civil War opens with Jefferson Davis’s farewell to the United Senate and ends on the bloody battlefields of Antietam and Perryville, as the full, horrible scope of America’s great war becomes clear. Exhaustively researched and masterfully written, Foote’s epic account of the Civil War unfolds like a classic novel.
History explodes in this activity guide spanning the turmoil preceding secession, the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the fierce battles on land and sea, and finally the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. Making butternut dye for a Rebel uniform, learning drills and signals with flags, decoding wigwag, baking hardtack, reenacting battles, and making a medicine kit bring this pivotal period in our nation’s history to life. Fascinating sidebars tell of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, the adventures of nine-year-old drummer boy Johnny Clem, animal mascots who traveled with the troops, and friendships between enemies.
Cannon fire! That's what Jack and Annie hear when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the time of the American Civil War. There they meet a famous nurse named Clara Barton and do their best to help wounded soldiers. It is their hardest journey in time yet—and the one that will make the most difference to their own lives!
The stars of the Big Dipper have led a runaway slave family to Deacon Fuller's house, a stop on the Underground Railroad. Will Tommy Fuller be able to hide the runaways from a search party—or will the secret passengers be discovered and their hope for freedom destroyed?
This simple, unvarnished account recalls the courageous life of Harriet Tubman, one of the best-known “conductors” on the Underground Railroad. First published in 1869 and privately printed to raise funds for “the Moses of her people,” Sarah Bradford’s memorable biography recalls the former slave’s grim childhood; her perilous experiences leading slaves into Canada; her efforts as a Civil War nurse, cook, and scout for the Union Army; and her post-conflict endeavors to aid and educate former slaves.
Then add these hands-on ideas to your unit study.
Fun American Civil War Crafts
- Create this DIY American History Civil War Drum Project, drummer boys were used to keep the soldiers in time but were also a means of sending coded messages for battle plans throughout the area.
- This video gives a simple demonstration of how to fold Civil War Era Kids Craft: Paper Boats.
- While soldiers could not take their wives to the frontlines they would take a little packet called a housewife that was basically a mini sewing kit. Make your own Civil War Housewife.
- The Unrivaled Guide to Hands-on American Civil War History for Kids
- If you want a great civil art tutorial, you can recreate this War Cannon Chalk Art Tutorial.
- Some crafts can be pretty and taste delicious like this Civil War Era Rock Candy Recipe: Historical Food Fortnightly
- Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study
- During the Civil War Pontoon bridges were built and used quite a bit to gain tactical advantages. Recreate one with this Civil War Pontoon Bridge idea.
- If you are going to study the Civil War you definitely want to include a little focus on Abraham Lincoln, Stovepipe Hat Craft
- If you have a budding seamstress they can learn How to make an American Civil War mini quilt using English Paper Piecing.
Finally, look how to make this Civil War era recipe which is raspberry jam.
American Civil War Raspberry Jam Recipe
I was inspired by The Story of the Jam Jar I came across.
Here is a snippet from the site, but be sure to read the whole story at Emerging Civil War.
Tucked away in the collection’s storage at the University of West Florida’s Historic Trust is a simple artifact with a greater history than meets the eye. A brown stoneware jar, about eight inches tall and four inches in diameter, its exterior polished with a raised band around the middle. The story of the jar is told on a scrap piece of paper, reading, Private Frederick Beaver of the Wisconsin Volunteers found this jar when full of jam in a farm house just outside Vicksburg Miss. during the battle of Vicksburg. He carried it home and it remained in the family until December 1959.
I know that Jam Cake was also a Civil War-era food, and finally, jam was a delicious but rare sweet treat that could be carried and kept for long periods of time by soldiers.
You will need:
- 1-pound fresh raspberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 8 oz. mason jar or 2 4 oz. mason jars
First, carefully sort through raspberries and remove any with bad spots.
Rinse the remaining berries quickly and drain well.
Combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
Stir to coat the raspberries.
Simmer over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
Turn the heat up to medium-high and boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
Hands-on American Civil War History Raspberry Jam Recipe
Reduce heat back down to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until it reduces and thickens up.
Stir often, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan. Smash berries with your spoon or insert an immersion blender to make it smoother if you like.
Use a ladle or funnel to fill clean jars to ¼” from the top.
Wipe off any spills on the lip.
Tighten down the ring.
Place the lid on top.
If you want to store it in the refrigerator and eat it within two weeks you can let it cool and then place it in the fridge.
If you would like to can your jam for future use it is simple to do without any fancy equipment.
Place mason jar rings in the bottom of a pot deep enough for the jars to be completely submerged in water.
You do not want the glass jars directly on the bottom of the pot.
Place jars so they are covered by at least 1” of water and boil for 10 minutes.
Remove from water, wipe off water, cool, and store in pantry. Good for up to 1 year.
