Contributed by Scarborough Historical Society & Museum
Description
Daniel Merrill, a Scarborough volunteer serving in the 7th Maine Artillery Battery, owned this Civil War canteen.
Soldiers of the Civil War valued few personal items more than their canteens, popular both for durability and multi-functionality. Soldiers used canteens primarily to carry water, though sometimes they held milk, cider, molasses, or even liquor. The canteen's usefulness did not end when it could no longer hold liquids; resourceful soldiers repurposed them into frying pans, wash pans, or entrenching tools.
The Union-issued canteen was simply constructed, consisting of two pieces of tin-plated iron soldered together. The canteen had a pewter spout and cork, and was covered with cloth, which when wet helped keep the water cool. It was carried by a cotton drill strap.
The phrase, "we drank from the same canteen" became popular among veterans to evoke the dangers they shared in their youth during the Civil War.
About This Item
- Title: Civil War canteen, Scarborough, ca. 1863
- Creation Date: circa 1863
- Subject Date: circa 1863
- Location: Scarborough, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Metal
- Dimensions: 20.3 cm x 20.3 cm x 7.62 cm
- Local Code: 61.3.1
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Maine--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- Merrill, Daniel--Associated objects
- Military service--1860-1870
- Scarborough (Me.)--History
- Veterans--Civil War
- Soldiers--Maine
- Canteens (Beverage containers)
- United States. Army. Maine Infantry Regiment, 7th (1861-1864)
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Scarborough Historical Society & MuseumPO Box 156, Scarborough, ME 04070-0156
(207) 885-9997
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
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