Civil War Soldier Uniform

A Civil War soldier uniform served as an important distinction between the Union soldiers of the North and Confederate soldiers of the South.

During the earlier years of the Civil War (around 1861-1862), towns and wealthy individuals commonly provided distinctive and personalized outfits for troops. In the North many combatants chose military garb based on their home countries in order to represent their ethnic heritage. Their discordant attire preferences only served to amplify confusion on the field; Scottish kilts on the 79th New York unit, Italian-styled hats and outfits for the Garibaldi Guard, and Algerian campaign attire adorning many French immigrants enfeebled a soldier's ability to determine whether or not he was engaging in friendly-fire. Such differences in Civil War soldier uniforms existed in the Southern Confederate States as well.

After the bloodshed of the First Battle of Bull Run, U.S. infantry volunteers and regulars on both sides discovered the need for an apparel code to allow for better communication and recognition in the field. During that assault, a number of Union troops battled wearing trousers and gray coats which took on the appearance of many Confederate styles. The baffling apparel and insignia on both sides could not persist and an attempt to set regulations ensued. The most distinguishing traits which resulted were the representational colors of choice; blue became the official color for the North while gray became the official color for the South.

Although attempts were made to set uniform standards, Civil War soldier uniforms were still very inconsistent. However, some of the basic garments that could be found on most soldiers are listed below.

Shirts, socks, and drawers were issued to enlistees once a year. Because a single shirt, one pair of socks, and one set of drawers were not nearly enough to last the duration of a year, most soldiers brought extra undergarments from home.

Wool trousers were issued to soldiers to be worn under or over socks. They often wore ankle-high boots known as brogans. As a stylistic addition to the outfit, some soldiers brought vests from home to enhance their look. Additionally, suspenders were necessary to keep trousers up and on the body. A hat known as the "forage cap" was issued for soldiers to wear during off-battle duties. Usually soldiers wore this item during cooking, cleaning, and relaxation periods. Durable and inexpensive sack coats completed the outer layer of attire for each soldier. These were required as a part of uniforms on the battlefield.

A musket and bayonet were the main weaponry a soldier carried. The musket was designed to fire cone-shaped bullets with a spin to further penetrate the opposing infantry. When an opponent drew too close, the soldiers could engage the bayonet for use as a spear or dagger. Soldiers carried their musket cartridges and tools in a leather covered tin usually attached to their belt beside a cap box. For daily living, soldiers carried a haversack, canteen, and mucket. The haversack was a small strong bag worn over the shoulder containing food and personal belongings. A mucket worked as both a cooking pot and a mug. Additionally, soldiers were required to carry a waterproof knapsack containing a small tent, some clothing, and a blanket for shelter on the field.

Due to the extreme diversity of attire on the field, many historians have spent years compiling information to better educate enthusiasts and scholars. In-depth details of the uniforms and equipment of Civil War soldiers can be found in the following resourceful books:

• Uniforms of the Civil War: An Illustrated Guide for Historians, Collectors, and Reenactors by Robin Smith and Ron Field
• The Illustrated Directory of the Civil War by William Davis and Ray Bonds
• Don Troiani's Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War by Don Troiani, Earl J. Coates and Michael J. McAfee

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