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5 Civil War Mustaches That Are Still in Style Today

Detail of Civil War Statue outside U.S.Capitol

5 Civil War Mustaches That Are Still in Style Today

The American Civil War was notable for many reasons, but perhaps the most striking thing is the amount of facial hair military men were sporting. It seemed like having a full beard or styled mustache was the order of the day. Thankfully, some of these facial hair stylings haven’t ever really fallen out of favor.

The Ulysses S. Grant Beard

civil war mustaches
Grant had an effortless style about him.

This might be stretching the definition of Civil War mustaches, but you have to admire Grant’s facial hair. While he started his military career as a clean-shaven officer, his beard is what ultimately endured. It is also a timeless example of facial hair.

A Modern Equivalent

Stylish handsome bearded businessman looking at camera isolated on grey
Grant definitely wore it better.
©LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com

Any facial hair sporting man has likely thought about growing it out in a similar style to Grant. You can see the modern equivalents of a manicured beard anywhere you look. The mustache is only part of the ensemble but it plays a huge role.

Jubal Early’s Styled Mustache and Beard Combo

civil war mustaches
Accomplished Confederate general, impressive owner of a beard.

Jubal Early is one of the most ferocious Confederate generals to take the field. Despite his infamous exploits, you can certainly see why he’s got one of the most enviable Civil War mustaches around. Early’s facial hair might seem old-fashioned, but it has made a big comeback.

A Proto-Hipster

handsome bearded man with long lush beard and moustache on surprised face with white paper sheet in studio on grey background, copy space
At least this guy isn’t conducting raids on Northern states.
©Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock.com

Having your mustache length a bit on the longer side to compliment your beard is something I see all the time. As an aging hipster, I’ve certainly put some thought into this. However, I see people pulling off similar styles that make it look good.

Willam Harvey Carney’s Stylish Ensemble

civil war mustaches
Carney’s facial hair is effortlessly cool.

Carney has one of the most fascinating stories of the Civil War, born a slave before escaping to join the Free North. He also has one of the most timeless examples of Civil War mustaches you’ll see today.

A Pre-Van Dyke Goatee

Portrait of a young hispanic boy, south european person, caucasian millennial man with goatee and mustache, Casual boy
I suppose you need Carney’s panache to carry the style, but you could make it work.
©Media Lens King/Shutterstock.com

Carney’s mustache is utterly timeless, but the chin strap is a bit outdated. That said, it works well with a bit as an alternative to a Van Dyke. This helps to complete the look, while also connecting the facial hair to bring it a more modern touch.

William Hammond’s Grizzly Facial Hair

civil war mustaches
I feel seen by this style of beard.

Hammond is a man after my own heart. Sometimes, shaving is just not on the cards, especially when you’re the U.S. Surgeon General during the American Civil War. Hammond has one of the most impressive Civil War mustaches you’ll see. The fact that it is attached to a bushy beard only adds to it.

Yes, I Make Craft Beer

Nice sad bald 30s man look camera close up. Ginger upset 40s guy face portrait. Male red bushy beard head shot. No hair life. Unhappy model have fun. Brutal young adult bald person smile. Barber shop.
Maybe a dour countenance is what best accentuates this style of beard.
©Romanchini/Shutterstock.com

You’ve likely seen no shortage of hipsters with a similar facial hair style to Hammond. While it might call to mind Grizzly Adams or Jeremiah Johnson, it is timeless for a good reason. I get similar growth every winter since I can’t be bothered to shave.

Mutton Chops

civil war mustaches
Douglass seemed to inherit his father’s penchant for memorable facial hair.

Charles Douglass might not be as well known as his famous father, but he has one of the most impressive Civil War mustaches you’ll find. Douglass is perhaps best known for making mutton chops look good.

I Lack the Confidence for This One

Good idea! Afro man finger up and toothy smiling. Indoor shot, gray wall
This style still works, you just need the right face shape for it.
©Khosro/Shutterstock.com

I have met plenty of men who can rock mutton chops, so it certainly hasn’t gone out of style. I don’t know if it is my face shape or a lack of confidence. However, I cannot envision myself with this sort of facial hair. More power to the guys who can, as it is one of the most visually striking mustaches you’ll find.

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