Union Sharpshooter vs Confederate Sharpshooter: American Civil War 1861-65

During the American Civil War, the Union and the Confederacy both fielded units of sharpshooters.

Sometimes equipped with firearms no better than those of their infantry brethren, they fought in a manner reminiscent of Napoleonic-era light infantry. Siege warfare placed a premium on marksmanship and the sharpshooter became indispensable as they could drive artillerymen from their guns. They could also become expert scouts and, for the Confederacy, impressive raiders – one raid netted almost ...