An exploration was made of several types of adult education within the Confederate States of America during 1861-65, and of socioeconomic and cultural background factors. The following adult education activities were identified: apprenticeship training on farms and in factories; extension training of army physicians through discussion groups, lectures, and an information-reporting network; religious instruction of civilians through newspapers and special lecturers; and adult basic education for illiterates by means of tutorial and dyad relationships in the army and on the home front. Results of this study support the contention that adult education tends to develop in response to a social crisis or other urgent need. Suggested areas for further research include agricultural education, Protestant adult education, vocational training for the handicapped, and the covert adult basic education of slaves. (author/ly)