How to Put Up a Civil War Frame Tent
During the Civil War, A-frame tents, referred to as "dog tents" by the soldiers, were issued to every Union soldier upon enlistment. Confederate soldiers did not receive this type of tent and coveted them, often looting them when they raided Union camps. The frame tent is a simple design, two rectangular pieces of white canvas buttoned together and draped over a simple frame. They were designed to sleep up to five men, but only comfortably accommodated two to three with gear. Although this style of tent was issued by the military, it was also available to civilians before and during the war. One person can easily put up a frame tent.
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Things You'll Need
- Two forked sticks of equal length
- One stick slightly longer then the width of the canvas
- Two equal-sized pieces of canvas that button together
- Stakes (minimum of 4)
- Rope
Instructions
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1
Secure the two forked sticks, fork side up, into the ground. The distance between the two should be equal to the width of the canvas.
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2
Rest the third stick between the forks of the other two sticks. Ensure that the finished frame is secure.
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3
Button the pieces of canvas together and drape them over the frame. There should be an equal amount of canvas on each side.
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4
Tie each of the four corners to a stake. If it suits you, use additional stakes along the edges for extra stability. During the Civil War, soldiers often secured the corners to their rifles or fence posts. The tent is now ready for sleeping.
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Turn the tent into a daytime awning by removing the stakes along one side and either folding it over so it is doubled up on the opposite side of the tent or unbuttoning one side and removing it. If you unbutton it, you'll have to temporarily secure the canvas to the frame with rope.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan on sleeping in a frame tent, you will need a model that has a canvas extension that can be used for a back wall. Frame tents used by civilians during this period, around 1862, had this feature.
