The Remarkable Life of Big Dave Van Buskirk

Big Dave Van Buskirk stands out as a unique figure in the annals of American history, particularly during the Civil War era. As one of the largest soldiers to fight in the conflict, he was a towering presence in a time when the average soldier was significantly smaller.

Born in Indiana in 1826, David Campbell Van Buskirk's family background included a Revolutionary War hero. Despite this lineage, he initially led a rather normal life as a farmer. However, what truly set him apart was his immense stature; he grew to nearly 6'11” and weighed between 375 and 390 pounds, making him an extraordinary sight.

When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the average soldier stood at just over 5'8” and weighed less than 150 pounds, highlighting how exceptional Van Buskirk was. Undeterred by his size, he enlisted in the 27th Indiana Infantry, also known as the “Monroe Grenadiers,” alongside his brother and three cousins. His military career saw him rise from private to lieutenant, and ultimately to captain.

Interestingly, Monroe County, Indiana, seemed to produce a remarkable number of tall soldiers, as 67 out of 101 men in Van Buskirk's unit were also over six feet tall, a rare height for that time.

A popular anecdote recounts a journey to Gettysburg where Van Buskirk reportedly exhausted five horses due to his considerable weight during a lengthy march. Despite being an easy target due to his size, he remarkably avoided injury throughout his service. However, he did face the misfortune of being captured on multiple occasions.

Prisoners of war faced harsh conditions, and Van Buskirk found the meager food rations particularly hard to bear. He cleverly negotiated his own display as a curiosity to the Confederates, in exchange for better meals. Notably, Confederate leader Jefferson Davis took the time to meet the Union giant, leading to a light-hearted exchange about Van Buskirk's family. He humorously recounted a moment when his six sisters came to bid him farewell, leaning down to kiss him on the head.

Van Buskirk's notoriety even spread to Southern newspapers, which frequently reported on the Union giant.

In his personal life, he married three times and had eight children. Four of his brothers also served in the Union army, one of whom lost his life at the Battle of Chancellorsville. After the war, Van Buskirk returned to a relatively tranquil life, where he continued to make a lasting impact on those around him.

Chapter 2: Videos on Big Dave Van Buskirk

This video features Steve Rolfe discussing David Van Buskirk, the tallest soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, shedding light on his extraordinary life and legacy.

In this video, explore the story of David Van Buskirk, highlighting his remarkable stature and the impact he had during the Civil War era.