Coffee sack

Coffee sack

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Description
Coffee was among both Union and Confederate soldiers' mess kits. Unlike other edibles in the kit, soldiers always looked forward to coffee. Although Union soldiers were issued green coffee beans, they were able roast them over a fire and grind them with the butt of their rifle. Confederates usually had to add or substitute roasted corn, chicory, or peanuts in their coffee due to scarce supplies caused by Union blockades at Southern ports.
Object Name
bag
sack
ration
coffee
date made
1860s
place made
United States
ID Number
AF.58175M
accession number
206541
catalog number
58175M
subject
Civil War
Beverages
See more items in
Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
Food
Civil War
Military
Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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