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How to Build a Civil War Hardtack Box

Hardtack boxes were an essential and common component of army encampments during the United States Civil War. The flour and water bread they contained made up a large part of soldiers' rations, and empty hardtack boxes were often used as tables and chairs in camp. For those looking to recreate Civil War scenes for reenactment, film or personal enjoyment, adherence to the original specifications will produce the most authentic boxes. According to 1861 army regulations, the boxes were 26 by 17 by 11 inches (exterior dimensions), though the regulations do indicate some variance in measurement.

Things You'll Need

2 pine boards, 26-inch by 9-inch by 1-inch
2 pine boards, 15-inch by 9-inch by 1-inch
4 pine boards, 26-inch by 8.5-inch by 1-inch
2 pine boards, 15-inch by 4-inch by 1-inch
Hammer
1 box 2-inch cut nails
Wood glue
19th century style number and letter stencils
Black paint and brush
2 hinges (optional)
1box 1-inch cut nails (optional)

Instructions

Build Box Sides
- 1
  Construct the sides of the box using both 26-inch by 9-inch by 1-inch boards and both 15-inch by 9-inch by 1-inch boards. Position the 15-inch boards between the 26-inch boards to make the sides 26 by 17 inches. Glue the boards in place, if desired. Nail the boards together - through the 26-inch boards into the 1-inch edges of the 15-inch boards - with about three inches between each nail.
- 2
  Glue two of the 26-inch by 8.5-inch by 1-inch boards together along their 26-inch sides to build the box lid. Repeat with the remaining two 26-inch by 8.5-inch by 1-inch boards for the box base. Allow the glue to dry.
- 3
  Reinforce the underside of the glued box lid with both 15-inch by 4-inch by 1-inch boards. Place each board 1 inch from all the box top edges, and nail in place through the top of the lid. The lid should fit snugly over the constructed sides.
- 4
  Nail the lid in place with approximately 3 to 4 inches between nails. As an alternative, to make the lid easier to open, affix hinges to the lid along what will be the back of the box, using the 1-inch cut nails to attach them.
- 5
  Flip the box over onto the lid and nail the constructed base into the bottom of the box with approximately 3 to 4 inches between nails. You should now have a completed hardtack box.
- 6
  Enhance the appearance of the hardtack box by stenciling information onto the top of the lid with the stencils and black paint. Hardtack boxes generally included the words "Army Bread" as well as the weight of the box and contents, name of the bakery and its location.

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