Boy drummers played a very important role in the Revolutionary War and especially in the Civil War. Without fanfare, these wars could have been entirely different. Drums were first used in combat in America during the Revolutionary War for several reasons, including communication. Drummers and drummers played an important role during the Civil War. Not only did the drummer boys give orders with the drums, but they helped a lot with many other things on and off the battlefield. Many Civil War drummers were young teenagers, some weren't even teenagers yet. Some very important drummers were: Johnny Clem, Charley King and William Horsfall. As you can see, drums and beaters were a necessity during the Civil War. So maybe now when you think of the Civil War, you won't think of the famous army generals or the battles that took place, or how politics entered into military operations. Maybe now you'll think of all those drummer boys who risked so much and helped so much during the Civil War.