Dixie

The life of a Civil War soldier was often difficult, from inferior clothing and equipment to scarce and barely edible rations, to the crushing monotony of camp life.  Many of the soldiers tried to distract themselves by singing and playing instruments.  The resulting music became a legacy of the conflict.

Music provided a much-needed diversion for both Union and Confederate armies.  It was used to rally troops, as recreation, and to march by, among other reasons.  Frequently both sides would borrow each other’s tunes or lyrics.  It was not uncommon for each side to serenade the other, or for battle to stop while an impromptu concert was held.  As the Union and Confederate armies camped across the Rappahannock River from each other in the winter of 1862-63, bands on both sides played the popular ballad “Home Sweet Home.”

Before 1862, new volunteer regiments usually included a regimental band.  When Union Col. Rutherford B. Hayes invaded Giles County with a regiment of 600 men in the spring of 1862, his band played a lively quick-step as his small force marched into Pearisburg.  One federal soldier described the week-long occupation as “the biggest picnic we have had since enlistment.  Whenever the band plays “Dixie” the whole town throws open windows and waves aprons and ‘kerchiefs.”

When the number of bands became unmanageable, many were disbanded and some were replaced by brigade bands to serve a larger contingent of troops.  Whether played by these organized bands or simply sung by the soldiers themselves around the campfire (accompanied by banjo, fiddle or harmonica), popular songs ranged from patriotic melodies meant for marching to aching ballads that reflected the soldiers’ yearnings for home and hearth.

Among the Union favorites were “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,” “Battle Cry of Freedom” and “John Brown’s Body” (later changed into “Battle Hymn of the Republic”).  Confederate troops enjoyed “Dixie,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again,” “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “The Bonnie Blue Flag.”

The upcoming Civil War Weekend in Giles County will feature some of these and other favorites.  On Saturday night, June 9, while downtown Pearisburg is filled with events and activities, the popular band “Sugar Run” will be playing Civil War-era music at the Historical Society from 6 to 9 pm.

The Giles County Historical Society works to preserve, interpret and exhibit Giles County’s rich historical and cultural heritage.  It provides a repository for Giles County family histories, documents and artifacts, assists genealogical researchers, and supports the preservation of endangered Giles County artifacts, sites and records.  The Giles County Historical Society, Museum and Gift Shop (921-1050) are open Wed-Fri from 12-5 PM and Sat-Sun from 2-5 PM.  Admission is free.  The Research Office is open on Thursday from 12–5 PM.  For more information, visit www.gilescountyhistorical.org.

When Union Col. Rutherford B. Hayes occupied Pearisburg for a week in the spring on 1862, his regimental band often played "Dixie", to the delight of local residents.