Steamboats were used as the country's first floating hospitals. The banjo was the most popular instrument of the time. Uniforms of both Confederate and Union troops were often the same color. Drums were the most effective way to relay signals on the battlefield. From periscopes to homemade paper, uniforms to telegraphs, Great Civil War Projects You Cam Build "Yourself explores the Civil War era through hands-on building projects and activities using common household and craft store items. Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating 25 Civil War projects, combined with historical background, facts and anecdotes, and biographies and trivia, give kids, a hands-on way to experience the fascinating history of one of the most important eras in American history. Book jacket.