The Last Civil War Veteran: The Life and Legacy of Albert Woolson 🥁
On August 2, 1956, the last direct living link to the American Civil War was severed. Albert Woolson—the last verifiable veteran who served in the conflict—passed away in Duluth, Minnesota, at the age of 106.
His death marked the end of an era, closing a chapter that saw over three million Americans serve in the Union and Confederate armies. President Dwight D. Eisenhower solemnly noted that with Woolson’s passing, "The American people have lost the last personal link with the Union Army".
👤 The Man Behind the Legend: Albert Woolson’s Story
Albert Henry Woolson was born in Antwerp, New York, on February 11, 1850. His path to history was paved by family tragedy. His father, Willard Woolson, enlisted in the Union Army and was later disabled in an accident on the Tennessee River. The family moved to Minnesota to be with him, where he died after an amputation.
In October 1864, young Albert enlisted in Company C, 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment. Though he likely lied about his age (the minimum was 18), he was mustered into service and became the company’s drummer boy. His unit was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they performed garrison duty. The war ended without Woolson seeing combat, and he was discharged in September 1865.
📜 Controversies and Claims: The Search for the "Last" Veteran
Determining the "last" veteran of any war is often contentious, and the Civil War was no exception. After Woolson’s death, historians recognize him as the last undisputed veteran from either side.
The Last Union Soldier: Woolson is officially recognized as the last surviving member of the Union Army. James Hard, who died in 1953, was the last Union soldier known to have seen combat.
The Last Confederate Soldier: Several men outlived Woolson claiming to be Confederate veterans, including Walter Williams, who was celebrated as the last Confederate before his death in 1959. However, these claims have been debunked or remain unverified. The last verified Confederate veteran was Pleasant Riggs Crump, who died in 1951.
A History of Imposters: The 1950s saw a number of fraudulent claims from men seeking pensions or glory. As historian Richard Serrano notes, these imposters "dishonored those who had served... and above all those who had died".
🎖️ A Nation Says Goodbye: Woolson’s Final Honors
Woolson’s funeral was a national event, reflecting his status as a living relic of history. The services in Duluth were attended by:
Over 1,500 people at the Duluth Armory.
Secretary of the Army Wilber Bruckner.
Senators Hubert H. Humphrey and Edward J. Thye.
Governor Orville Freeman.
An Army marching unit of 109 men—one for each year of his celebrated age.
He was buried with full military honors in Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth. With his death, the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), the powerful fraternal organization of Union veterans, was formally dissolved.
🏛️ Preserving the Legacy: Where to Find Woolson’s Story Today
The story of the Civil War’s last veteran is preserved in several key locations:
Location Description
Gettysburg National Military Park A life-sized bronze monument of Woolson was erected in 1956 as a memorial to the Grand Army of the Republic.
St. Louis County Depot, Duluth, MN Houses the Veterans Memorial Hall, which displays Woolson’s personal artifacts, including his fife and a replica of his drum. A twin to the Gettysburg statue stands outside.
Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth, MN Woolson’s final resting place.
National Archives Woolson’s service, along with that of over 2.8 million other Civil War soldiers, is documented in the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System.
🔍 How to Research Your Own Civil War Ancestors
If Woolson’s story inspires you to look into your own family history, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the primary resource. Here’s a quick guide:
Start Online: Search the index at the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System.
Key Records for Union Soldiers:
Compiled Military Service Record (CMSR): The basic jacket of cards showing enlistment, attendance, and discharge.
Pension Application Files: Often rich with personal details, medical histories, and family data. These are indexed and can be requested.
Key Records for Confederate Soldiers: The main record is the CMSR, but these are often less complete. Confederate pensions were handled by individual states, not the federal government.
Albert Woolson’s life bridged a transformative century in America—from the crack of muskets at Shiloh to the dawn of the television age. While the last veteran is now gone, the duty to remember, research, and honor the stories of all who served continues.