Civil War Soldiers Fishing Gig

Civil War Soldiers Fishing Gig. Click picture for details.

Civil War era Fishing Gig. “Gigging” was popular in the South for hunting suckers, flounder or frogs. These multi-pronged spears were attached to long wooden poles. This particular example is blacksmith made and measures approximately 3 ½” x 8 ½” with three barbed tines. Fishing was popular with Civil War soldiers and was an excellent opportunity to supplement their meager food rations, especially with the Confederates. This unique item was recovered at a Confederate camp in Jonesboro, Georgia. General Sherman had successfully cut CSA General John B. Hood's supply lines by sending out detachments, but the Confederates quickly repaired the damage. In late August, 1864, Sherman determined that if he could cut Hood's supply lines at the Macon & Western and the Atlanta & West Point Railroads, the Rebels would have to evacuate Atlanta. Sherman, therefore, decided to move six of his seven infantry corps against the supply lines. The army began pulling out of its positions on August 25 to hit the Macon & Western Railroad at Jonesboro. To counter the move, Hood sent Lieutenant General William J. Hardee with two corps to halt and possibly rout the Union troops, not realizing Sherman's army was there in force. On August 31, Hardee attacked two Union corps west of Jonesboro but was easily repulsed. Fearing an attack on Atlanta, Hood withdrew one corps from Hardee's force that night. The next day, a Union corps broke through Hardee’s troops which retreated to Lovejoy's Station, and on the night of September 1, Hood evacuated Atlanta. Sherman did cut Hood's supply line but failed to destroy Hardee's command. This Union victory came at a cost of 1,149 casualties, compared to 2,000 Confederate. This unusual piece is in extremely nice condition, with no chipping or flaking, and has been coated with a varnish for preservation. It would go great in a display of a soldier’s personal effects or part of a camp display.