Minie Bullet

.58 caliber minie bullet, used by Union Army during the American Civil War

This artifact is a perfect example of a .58 caliber Union minie ball, the most widely used bullet in the Civil War. Often used with Springfield rifle muskets, minie bullets (also called minie balls) could travel as far as 1500 yards, although they were most accurate within 350 yards. This artifact is a fitting representative of the history of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park because of the monumental significance of the Battle of Cedar Creek in the Civil War. After suffering a surprise attack, the Union Army defeated the Confederate forces in a bloody but decisive battle. This humble artifact is a direct link to this battle and the soldiers who perished and survived at the Battle of Cedar Creek.