[yesthatjallen]

Do I have this right? They used to have BARRELS full of CRACKERS and people bought their CRACKERS from a BARREL?

Or is the guy leaning on the barrel a Cracker?

[central_va]

Civil War Hardtack Overview
Hardtack was a crucial food supply for soldiers during the American Civil War. It was a type of dense cracker made primarily from flour and water, designed to last for long periods without spoiling.
Shipping and Storage
Barrel Shipping: Hardtack was commonly shipped in barrels from Union and Confederate storehouses. This method of storage helped protect it from moisture and pests.
Longevity: Properly stored hardtack could last for years. Some hardtack consumed during the Civil War had been made as far back as the Mexican-American War (1846-1848