Sizzlin Fields

[Chalmers' Division]

I was watching my son play football this afternoon and it dawned on me that it is still really hot...

So I tapped into the phone and looked up some environmental factors (Heat) and battles and found this- Jeffrey J. Harding. "How Hot Did Battles Feel For Civil War Soldiers?." Jeffrey J. Harding - Accessed 8/30/2022. https://www.historynet.com/how-hot-did-battles-feel-for-civil-war-soldiers/

Any books recommended on this area?

I know some Shiloh texts talk about the creeks swelling and tornado season of March and April. I have not seen one about heat, however.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Think heat and lack of water were a potent combination for Civil War Soldiers fighting in battle.

Thought about Oates's 15th​ (and the 47th​) Alabama, in particular, during their ascent of Little Round Top on July 2, 1863. The action was conducted in the late-afternoon heat by extremely fatigued troops after a long day's march, without water. Can imagine that the exhaustion of these tired Alabamians would have have been exacerbated by the tough terrain, their thirst, as well as the hot conditions. There would have been severe suffering experienced by the badly wounded lying on the slopes, who were unable to quench their burning thirsts that day too.

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

Jeffrey J. Harding. "How Hot Did Battles Feel For Civil War Soldiers?." Jeffrey J. Harding - Accessed 8/30/2022. https://www.historynet.com/how-hot-did-battles-feel-for-civil-war-soldiers/

Great read. Thanks for posting. I've only had sunstroke once and was surprised that I felt absolutely fine until suddenly I didn't. Not a good experience to say the least.

 

[huskerblitz]

Jim Woodrick's Siege of Jackson mentions the extreme heat. My 4x great uncle suffered what the doctor called sun stroke on the march there. Several other soldiers were also stricken as well.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

The adrenaline rush during battle might also have enabled soldiers to overcome (temporarily) the effects of any extreme hot weather felt.

 

[Chalmers' Division]

Think the combination of heat and a lack of water, was potent for Civil War Soldiers fighting in battle.

Thought about Oates's 15th​ (and the 47th​) Alabama, in particular, during their ascent of Little Round Top on July 2, 1863. The action was conducted in the late-afternoon heat by extremely fatigued troops after a long day's march, without water. Can imagine that the exhaustion of these tired Alabamians would have have been exacerbated by the tough terrain, their thirst, as well as the hot conditions. There would have been severe suffering experienced by the badly wounded lying on the slopes, who were unable to quench their burning thirsts on that day too.

I guess I never really thought about the temp during fighting at Gettysburg would have been about 87-89 degrees, but soldiers may have "felt" like 97-99 degrees. (Original link to article in OP's Initial post)

CD

 

[bankerpapaw]

Wearing wool uniforms probably did help the situation.

 

[Sheltowee]

Reading an historical fiction account of Petersburg. Authors is very descriptive about the staggering heat. I'm assuming a correct assertion?

 

[Chalmers' Division]

Reading an historical fiction account of Petersburg. Authors is very descriptive about the staggering heat. I'm assuming a correct assertion?

I'd say so.. I mean there was a scene in Glory where one troop mentioned, "I forgot how hot it was down here"- as they were in full uniform, and clearly sweating. I can't get in to my car without being impacted by this heat haha...

 

[mobile_96]

A recent book gets into that. "The Howling Storm-Weather, Climate, and the American Civil War: by Kenneth w. Noe.
I'm reading it at a rather slow rate (like inbetween all my other reading), as I'm taking notes for material to feed into my RT newsletter.

 

[DixieRifles]

. I mean there was a scene in Glory where one troop mentioned, "I forgot how hot it was down here"- as they were in full uniform, and clearly sweating.

The one and only time I reenacted, I had be a Yank in one battle. It was a hot summer weekend in Mempfis. Many on the Union side were from further north and they were cursing marching in the heat. I smiled and said this was a walk in the park.

I read about the battle of Perryville, KY as being a hot, dry day. Part of the fight centered on gaining control of a creek.

 

[Carol]

A recent book gets into that. "The Howling Storm-Weather, Climate, and the American Civil War: by Kenneth w. Noe.
I'm reading it at a rather slow rate (like inbetween all my other reading), as I'm taking notes for material to feed into my RT newsletter.

Reading the same book.