I came across an article that stated this song was actually written by a negro in 1863 during the civil war and if you listen to the words they all fit with that era.Whether this is fact or fiction is what you want to believe.I myself believe it did originate at that time due to certain phrases such as (How long will the cannonballs fly)(How long will people exist before they are allowed to be free)(And the answer my friend is blowing in the wind)