Here’s What Happened to Amputee and Wounded Confederate and Union Soldiers After the Civil War Ended
The American Civil War was a devastating conflict that claimed the lives of over 600,000 soldiers. Of those who survived, many were wounded or lost limbs. These soldiers faced a long and difficult road to recovery, both physically and emotionally.
Here’s What Happened to Amputee and Wounded Confederate and Union Soldiers After the Civil War Ended
The Union and Confederate governments both provided some assistance to wounded and amputee soldiers. The Union government established a system of hospitals and asylums for veterans, and it also provided pensions and other benefits. The Confederate government was less able to provide for its veterans, but it did establish a few hospitals and asylums.
In addition to government assistance, many private organizations also helped wounded and amputee soldiers. The United States Sanitary Commission was a major provider of aid, and it also helped to raise money for hospitals and other facilities. Many religious organizations also provided assistance, as did individual citizens.
Common Civil War Amputation Methods
Amputations were a common procedure during the American Civil War, as they were often the only way to save a soldier’s life from infection or gangrene. The procedures were performed under very primitive conditions, with little anesthesia and few medical supplies.
Circular Amputation
The most common amputation method during the Civil War was the circular method. This involved making an incision around the circumference of the limb, down to the bone. The surgeon would then use a saw to cut through the bone, often without any form of anesthesia.
Once the limb was removed, the surgeon would then use a needle and thread to stitch up the wound. Or, the surgeon would cauterize the wound with a hot iron to prevent bleeding. The wound would then be bandaged and the patient would be sent to recover.
Flap Method
Another amputation method was the flap method, which involved making a long incision and then folding back the skin and muscle to expose the bone. The surgeon would then saw through the bone and fold the skin and muscle back over the stump, creating a flap that would cover the wound and promote healing.
While both methods were effective in removing the damaged limb, they were often accompanied by significant pain and risk of infection. Anesthesia was available during the Civil War, but it was often in short supply and reserved for more complex surgeries. As a result, many soldiers had to endure amputations without any form of pain relief.
In addition to the physical challenges of amputations, soldiers who underwent the procedure often faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Losing a limb was seen as a profound loss of identity and masculinity, and many soldiers struggled to adjust to their new physical limitations.
Amputations were a very dangerous procedure, and many soldiers died from complications. However, they were also a necessary procedure, and they saved the lives of many soldiers who would have otherwise died from infection or gangrene.
Amputated Limb Disposal
In many cases, amputated limbs were simply buried in mass graves. This was the most common practice, as it was the easiest and most sanitary way to dispose of the limbs.
Other amputated limbs were used for medical research. Doctors studied the limbs in an effort to learn more about the causes of infection and gangrene. They also used the limbs to develop new surgical techniques.
Some amputated limbs were even used as souvenirs. Soldiers would often take the limbs home as mementos of their service. This practice was controversial, as it was seen by some as disrespectful to the soldiers who had lost their limbs.
Life After the Civil War for Wounded and Amputated Soldiers
The end of the Civil War in 1865 marked the beginning of a new chapter for wounded and amputee soldiers from both the Union and Southern armies. While the war may have ended, the physical and emotional scars of those who fought and were injured in battle would last a lifetime.
During the Civil War, advancements in medical technology allowed for better care of wounded soldiers on the battlefield, but the lack of understanding about infections and poor sanitation conditions meant that many soldiers still died from their injuries. Those who survived faced a long road to recovery, often enduring multiple surgeries and long stays in hospitals.
After the war ended, wounded and amputee soldiers returned home to a country struggling to rebuild and reconcile. Many soldiers struggled to find work due to their physical disabilities, while others faced discrimination and prejudice from their communities. However, both the Union and Confederate governments made efforts to provide support and care for injured veterans.
Northern and Southern Policies for Wounded Civil War Veterans
The U.S. government established the Bureau of Pensions in 1862, which provided disability compensation to injured soldiers and their families. In 1865, President Lincoln signed the Invalid and Pension Act, which expanded the pension system and increased benefits for injured veterans. These benefits were available to soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies.
In addition to government support, private organizations also emerged to provide assistance to injured veterans. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was founded in 1866 and provided support and advocacy for Union soldiers. The United Confederate Veterans (UCV) was established in 1889 and provided similar support for Confederate soldiers.
Some Southern states struggled to provide healthcare and assistance to their soldiers. For instance, the state of Mississippi’s budget post-war was largely dedicated to prosthetics and related expenses.
These organizations helped to provide injured veterans with medical care, financial assistance, and emotional support. They also worked to ensure that the sacrifices of injured soldiers were not forgotten and that their contributions to the war effort were recognized.
Rehabilitation, Recovery, Addiction, and Ostracization
Despite these efforts, wounded and amputee soldiers continued to face significant challenges in the aftermath of the Civil War. Many struggled to readjust to civilian life and faced physical and emotional difficulties as a result of their injuries. Some turned to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope, while others suffered from depression or other mental health issues.
The road to recovery for wounded and amputee soldiers was long and difficult. Many soldiers experienced chronic pain, and they had to learn to cope with the loss of a limb. They also faced discrimination from society, as many people viewed them as being less than whole. A substantial portion, unable to earn a living, resorted to begging on the street.
However, in the decades following the Civil War, attitudes toward injured veterans began to shift. The sacrifices of these soldiers were increasingly recognized and honored, and efforts were made to improve their quality of life. In the 20th century, advances in medical technology and rehabilitation techniques further improved the care and support available to injured veterans.
Historical Accounts
Despite the challenges they faced, many wounded and amputee soldiers were able to rebuild their lives. They went on to marry, had families, and found jobs. They also became advocates for other veterans, and they helped to improve the quality of life for those who had been injured in war.
The story of wounded and amputee Civil War soldiers is a story of courage, resilience, and hope. They faced incredible challenges, but they never gave up. They helped to rebuild their country, and they made a lasting contribution to American history. Some specific examples of what happened to some of the wounded and amputee soldiers after the Civil War include:
- Elmer E. Ellsworth was a Union soldier who was shot and killed by a Confederate sympathizer in Alexandria, Virginia, in May 1861. He was just 24 years old. Ellsworth’s death was a major blow to the Union cause, and it helped to galvanize support for the war.
- Lewis S. Waterman was a Union soldier who lost his arm in battle in 1864. After the war, he became a successful businessman and inventor. He also became an advocate for other veterans, and he helped to found the American Legion.
- James Henry Lane was a Confederate soldier who lost his leg in battle in 1863. After the war, he became a lawyer and politician. He also became a strong advocate for the rights of veterans.
These are just a few examples of the many wounded and amputee Civil War soldiers who went on to make significant contributions to their communities and to the nation.
Today, wounded and amputee soldiers continue to face challenges as they readjust to civilian life. However, thanks to the efforts of government agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens, injured veterans are provided with a range of resources and support to help them overcome these challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
