Firearm Trauma Across Time: Investigating Civil War Gunshot Trauma and Their Impact on Modern Forensic Analysis

Authors

Morgan K. Reeder, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

William R. Belcher

Committee Members

LuAnn Wandsnider, Phil Geib

Date of this Version

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Anthropology

Certificate in Forensic Anthropology (Specialization in Professional Archaeology)

Under the supervision of Professor William R. Belcher

Lincoln, Nebraska, April 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, Morgan K. Reeder. Used by permission

Abstract

This thesis will examine the ballistic trauma caused by Civil War-era firearms and ammunition. These weapons, each with distinct characteristics, had a profound impact on the nature of combat and the resulting injuries. By investigating how these firearms’ ammunition interacted with human bone structure, this research will offer a detailed analysis of the trauma these weapons produced.

This research intends to answer several key research questions. First, how did the different types of Civil War firearms affect skeletal remains? Second, what are the key characteristics of gunshot trauma caused by these firearms in terms of bone fracturing and fragmentation, and wound severity? Finally, how can the study of gunshot trauma from Civil War firearms enhance the methods used in modern forensic anthropology to analyze and interpret gunshot wounds to bone in modern cases?

Archival research formed the foundation of this study by providing primary source documentation on Civil War battlefield injuries. A diverse range of historical documents, provided by the National Museum of Health and Medicine, were consulted. Selected documents were reviews and the following data points were recorded: location of fracture, fracture type, soldier affiliation, outcome of injury, ammunition responsible for the injury, treatment measures undertaken, and survivability and fatality.

Advisor: William R. Belcher