Civil War Music Exhibit Opens at Fort Ward Museum
Fort Ward Museum in Alexandria will open a new exhibit, “Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War,” on May 16. The exhibit will explore the essential role that music played in the daily life of the Civil War soldier, in camp and on the battlefield. The exhibit features a variety of musical instruments and sheet music of the period from the Museum’s extensive Civil War collection. The exhibit will be on view through May 2027.
Musicians were an integral part of Civil War army life. Regimental drummers, fifers and buglers sounded the calls in camp that regulated the soldier’s day, from the wake-up notes of “Reveille” to drills, meals, special duties, and finally “Taps” at night. On the battlefield, their instruments signaled instructions that could be heard over the roar and confusion of combat. On the march, the fife and drum corps set a steady cadence that kept thousands of boots moving in unison. Music also bolstered the morale of the troops. Many Union regiments had their own bands, inspired by the popularity of the brass band movement of mid-19th-century America, ensembles that performed for dress parades, ceremonies and even during battle to lift the spirits of the men. The repertoire of Civil War brass bands was a mix of stirring patriotic anthems, sentimental parlor songs, and fast-paced “quicksteps” that kept the soldiers in formation.
Highlights of musical instruments on view in the exhibit include a Union infantry drum with painted eagle emblem, examples of fifes and bugles, cymbals, and a number of brass band instruments, including an over-the-shoulder saxhorn, designed to be played with the bell facing the troops marching behind. Examples of sheet music include patriotic anthems like “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “The Flag of Our Union,” to familiar period songs like “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” A profile of artist William Lydston, Jr., who served as a musician in a Civil War band, shows several of his drawings in the Museum collection that depict the band performing in camp and on the battlefield.
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. Fort Ward is the best preserved of the Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington. For more information and open hours please visit alexandriava.gov/FortWard.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
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