The Halloween as we know it today has evolved over centuries into a autumn holiday full of costumes and candy. But was it celebrated in the 1860's ? Halloween in the United States is a combination of All Saints Day, Guy Fawkes Day and the celebration of the fall harvest.
In 1836 references to the holiday are found in a copy of Godeys. The Peoria Morning Mail, on November 2, 1862 reported, "All-Hallow E'en [sic] This old time anniversary which took place on Friday evening was made the excuse by some of our wild boys for throwing unsavory missiles, putrid vegetables; taking gates off of the hinges, and sundry other pranks. This was probably ‘good fun' to the boys, but for those thus attacked it was not so desirable. This is the way a ‘very quiet' night was spen. The end of season harvest of crops was the reason for a fall celebration.
The holiday become more popular and as the 19th century progressed more references in print are found. Dressing up in costumes did not become popular unitil the late 19th century and Halloween wasn't an officiL holiday until 1921.
I'm sure the boys in blue and gray did not throw Halloween parties but may have indulged in a little fun with pranks and maybe sharing their cultures with story and song.
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