Medals from the American Civil War
Medals from the United States during the period 1861-1865
The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict in United States history. It was primarily a result of long-standing tensions between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). Although nearly four million people served during the conflict, the United States did not yet possess the extensive system of campaign, gallantry, and service medals familiar from the world wars. The result is an unusual mixture of wartime awards, later federal medals, state decorations, locally presented pieces, and badges issued by veterans’ organizations. All are commonly advertised as “Civil War medals,” but they did not have the same status or purpose.
About the American Civil War
The primary cause was the Southern states’ desire to maintain and expand the institution of slavery, which they viewed as essential to their agricultural economy. Southern states also advocated for greater autonomy and the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.
Following Lincoln’s election, eleven Southern states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America. The war began in April 1861, when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The war ended in April 1865 with the surrender of the Confederate forces, marking the Union’s victory.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was the principal federal decoration created during the Civil War. Congress established the Navy Medal of Honor in December 1861, followed by the Army version on July 12, 1862. Army officers became eligible in March 1863; before then, eligibility had been limited to enlisted personnel.
The original Civil War design differs noticeably from the modern decoration. It featured a five-pointed star and a representation of Minerva, the Roman goddess associated with wisdom and war. Its ribbon and suspension also changed over time.
You can see the new design on the left (or below if you are on your phone). The older designs are all explained in the Medal of Honor medal page.
The Civil War Campaign Medal
The Civil War Campaign Medal commemorates Civil War service, but it was not issued during the conflict. The War Department established it in 1907, more than four decades after the fighting ended.
This makes it a retrospective campaign medal rather than a wartime decoration. Eligible veterans who were still serving—or who could apply through the appropriate channels—might receive it for qualifying service between 1861 and 1865.
Army and Navy versions exist, and their designs, ribbons, numbering systems, and eligibility rules should be treated separately. The original ribbon used the national colors of the former opponents: blue for the Union and gray for the Confederacy. Later replacement and reproduction medals can be encountered, so provenance and construction are important.
More American Medals from the Civil War
Some Northern states created their own medals to recognize resident soldiers. These were not federal gallantry decorations. They were tokens of state gratitude, often issued to broad categories of veterans. For example, West Virginia authorized its medal program in 1866. A. Demarest of New York manufactured 26,999 bronzed-copper medals for soldiers associated with West Virginia’s Union units. The American Civil War had profound effects on the nation, leading to the end of slavery, the strengthening of federal government power, and significant social and economic changes. It remains a central event in American history, shaping the nation’s trajectory and identity.
The Southern Cross of Honor
The Southern Cross of Honor a commemorative medal established by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
The Society of the Army of the Potomac Medal
The Society of the Army of the Potomac was a military society founded in 1869 from officers and enlisted men of the Army of the Potomac.
The New Market Cross of Honor
The New Market Cross of Honor is a military decoration issued to cadets of the Virginia Military Institute for their service to the Confederacy.
The Davis Guard Medal
The Davis Guard Medal is a military decoration bestowed by the State of Texas for the victory at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass.
Veteran Organization Badges
Veterans’ organization badges are not normally official military decorations. They were issued by private associations created by former service personnel, their relatives, or supporters. Depending on the organization, a badge might indicate membership, office, attendance at a reunion, participation in a memorial ceremony, or service to fellow veterans. You can learn more about Veteran Badges and Medals here.
Find American Civil War Medals Online
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