How do I find out if my ancestors fought in the Civil War?
Visit Your Civil War Ancestors
- Civil War Soldier Database: Determine if your ancestor served.
- National Archives: For Provost Marshal Records, CMSR and Pension Files, access the NARA Research in Military Records: Civil War guide.
How do I find someone who fought in the Civil War?
Military Service Records: Paper copies of Civil War military service records can be requested by mail using an NATF Form 86 for each soldier (Volunteer Army or Regular Army). You can obtain the NATF Form 86 by providing your name and mailing address to
Where can I find Civil War service records?
the National Archives and Records Administration
The full service records are housed at the National Archives and Records Administration. Click here for information about obtaining copies of those records, using the film number listed in the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System record.
Which regiments fought at Gettysburg?
The two armies that met in the Battle of Gettysburg – the North’s Army of the Potomac and the South’s Army of Northern Virginia – shared the same heritage, traditions, and structure.
What soldiers fought at Gettysburg?
The Battle of Gettysburg, a major battle of the American Civil War, was fought between the Union army (the North) and the Confederate army (the South).
How do I get my Civil War pension records?
Ordering Records Generally you will find that Union Civil War Pension Records are available from the National Archives while Confederate Civil War Pension Records can be found in the appropriate State Archives or equivalent agency. Most Union soldiers (or their widows or other dependents) applied for a pension.
Are there any battlefields in Illinois?
Illinois is marked on Civil War battlefields all over the country. There’s one here at Gettysburg. There’s a really tall one on Missionary Ridge. And there’s a huge one on the battlefield of Vicksburg, so big that it consumed one-fifth of the state of Illinois budget for that year.
Were there slaves in Illinois?
For a free state, Illinois had a long tradition of slavery. The first black slaves were brought to the American Bottom area by the French in 1719. Some descendants of those first slaves were still in servitude at the time of statehood in 1818.
