We all know the important role that horses and mules played in the Civil War. They were essential to the mobility of armies. They pulled artillery caissons, carried officers, served as couriers, and of course, transported the cavalry. But besides equines, many other animals served in the War Between the States as well.
Soldiers were attached to their pets, and some brought along dogs, cats, and various domesticated livestock to the war front. They adopted squirrels, bears, birds, raccoons, and other wildlife as company mascots. Some unusual mascots included a badger, a camel, and a bald eagle known as “Old Abe,” which represented the 8th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. General Lee kept a hen that dutifully laid an egg for him every morning.
Many of these special animals are immortalized in statuesque form, including General Lee’s horse, Traveller, General Grant’s Cincinnati, and General Stonewall Jackson’s Little Sorrel. Dogs are honored, too, including Sallie, mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania. Her likeness is carved in bronze on the regimental monument at Gettysburg. There are many other famous canines that accompanied their masters to the battlefield … and to their death. A few are even buried there. These include Jack, with the 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Old Harvey with the 104th Ohio, and Major with the 19th Maine.
You can read more about Traveller and Little Sorrel in my book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.
I’m a big fan of critters. Right now, I have downsized to two dachshunds and two kitties. I also love horses but could never own one because we lived in the city. Some of my favorite memories, though, are when my sister and I went to my aunt and uncle’s farm during the summer and went horseback riding with our cousins. In fact, I adore horses so much that I wrote a book about them, titled Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses. I felt like these magnificent beasts deserved to have their stories told rather than having them lost to history. I also love hearing about the pets that soldiers had during the Civil War. I’ll be sharing more stories about them in upcoming posts.
Meanwhile, I wanted to share this story about a mule who dutifully served with the 104 Ohio Volunteers, named May Me. She was so special that they have honored her with a statue!
Lt. Adam J. Weaver, 104th Ohio Volunteer, wrote to his wife between November 26 and the early morning of November 30, 1864, asking her to mark locations, times, and dates on a map he had sent earlier. He described the 6th Ohio placing a two-gun battery “pulled by mules, trained to lie down in action.” The lead mule, May Me, wore an old felt hat with holes cut for her ears.
In commemoration of this unique historical detail, the Battle of Franklin Trust has commissioned a life-sized bronze of May Me, the 6th Ohio Light Artillery’s leader mule.
With approval from the City of Franklin Arts Council, May Me will be placed in Carter Hill Park’s artillery display, enriching the site’s historical interpretation. Lieutenant Weaver’s account highlights the role of a single mule much like that of a soldier, offering a rare glimpse into the significance of animals in war. This documented detail from Franklin also invites exploration of battles like Stones River (December 31, 1862–January 2, 1863), where thousands of horses and mules perished.
If you would like to donate to the May Me the Mule project, gifts may be directed to The Battle of Franklin Trust, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064. or online at https://boft.org/battlefield-reclamation.
(Article courtesy of Blue and Gray Education Society)
The Civil War was a time of unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and resilience. While much attention is given to the soldiers who fought bravely on the battlefield, it’s easy to overlook another group of heroes who played a crucial role in shaping history: the Confederate warhorses. These steadfast companions bore the weight of war—literally and figuratively—and their contributions were extraordinary.
More Than Just Mounts Confederate warhorses were far more than a means of transportation. They were indispensable partners in battle, carrying their riders into the chaos of war and back again. These animals endured grueling conditions, including hunger, exhaustion, and injury, while remaining loyal to their masters. The bond between soldiers and their horses was deeply personal. Many soldiers regarded their steeds as extensions of themselves, trusting them for survival and emotional support during one of the most challenging periods in American history.
“Horses in Gray”: A Legacy of Bravery The term “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses” doesn’t just refer to their role in the Confederate army and highlights their loyalty and valor. These warhorses often demonstrated incredible intelligence and bravery, navigating battlefields filled with cannon fire and chaos.
From leading cavalry charges to carrying messages across enemy lines, these horses were integral to the success of Confederate military operations. Without their unwavering service, many key battles might have ended differently.
The Emotional Connection What set Confederate warhorses apart wasn’t just their physical endurance and the deep emotional connection they shared with their riders. Soldiers often spoke of their horses with affection, recounting tales of loyalty and trust.
These animals weren’t seen as mere tools of war; they were companions who shared in the hardship and dangers of battle. For many, losing a horse was akin to losing a comrade. This bond underscored the unique relationship between humans and animals during adversity.
Sacrifices on the Battlefield The sacrifices made by these horses were staggering. They carried soldiers through treacherous terrain, stood firm under fire, and often paid the ultimate price. Yet, despite the dangers, these animals remained steadfast, demonstrating a courage that rivaled that of the soldiers they served.
It’s no wonder that the stories of “Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses” continue to resonate. These tales remind us of the sacrifices made by humans and the animals who stood beside them.
Honoring Their Legacy Today, the contributions of Confederate warhorses serve as a poignant reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Their stories highlight their vital role in one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
By remembering these unsung heroes, we honor their sacrifices and the resilience and bravery that defined their legacy. Whether leading the charge or providing a moment of solace amidst the chaos, Confederate warhorses truly earned their place in history.
The next time you reflect on the Civil War, take a moment to consider the horses who gallantly carried their riders into the fray. Their loyalty, strength, and courage were as essential to the war effort as the soldiers they served, and their legacy lives on in the stories of Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.
For more information, check out my nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, available on my website, jdrhawkins.com and amazon.com.
J.D.R. Hawkins 