Were homing pigeons used in the civil war?

Yes, homing pigeons were used extensively during the American Civil War. They were primarily used for communication between military units, as they were the most reliable form of long-distance communication available at the time. Pigeons could carry messages over great distances and were able to navigate through difficult terrain and enemy lines. Both the Union and Confederate armies used homing pigeons, and they played a vital role in many battles and operations throughout the war.