Dragoon Boots Question:

[History36]

Hi all,

I'm trying to learn more about the Dragoon / knee-flap style boots during the American Civil War. Basically:

1.) Are (or were) they referred to as 'cavalry boots' during the war? It would seem that the phrase 'cavalry boots' have such a generic term and are under a wide umbrella nowadays. But, during the war, would Dragoon boots have been labeled specifically as 'cavalry boots' or would officers simply make reference to them as something else altogether?

2.) Although I can understand that they were mounted from time-to-time, but why would have Union infantry officers used them? For instance, to emulate the rather flamboyant and 'cavalier' Southern feel as demonstrated by JEB Stuart, perhaps? Especially in the early war years...

3.) However, were they still commonly used by Union infantry officers by mid 1864 as the war became less glamorous and romantic in both feel and dress?

Thank you for your time and for any replies as I haven't come across too much background history on this particular style of boot other than them being common as pirate, Renaissance, and Revolutionary War themed - but, what about the Civil War era (particularly the latter half)...?

 

[Frederick14Va]

One item to retain in consideration is that officers purchased and procured their own uniforms and goods. Hence footwear included were obtained via various commercial vendors as well. Wide range of styles and patterns existed and were available depending on the whim, preference, and financial means of the officer in question. Generally the taller knee height "boots" of any sorts were more commonly utilized by those that were mounted.. regardless of branch of service, as they tended to give a bit better protection to the legs when so... Yet not as well suited nor comfortable for those on foot in long marches etc... If a given junior Infantry officer is sporting a pair, it can only really be assumed that was his style or preference. We can see a ranged mix of different ones present in period group images. Those issued by the army via depot systems for enlisted troops are sometimes notated on quartermaster invoices as "cavalry boots" or more commonly as simply "boots"...

 

[zburkett]

Great question. Great answer. Thanks

 

[History36]

Yes, thank you for your reply message. I suppose I just don't see the dragoon boots all that much in pictures, media, etc. to view them 'in action' all that much - even the online searches don't reveal much regarding their usage and history during the war. In other words, kinda rare and hard to find material on it would seem. I'm curious if the infantry officer who used them referred to them as being 'tall boots' or simply as cavalry - all depends on the individual I suppose...

Thank you again for your time!

 

[James N.]

Yes, thank you for your reply message. I suppose I just don't see the dragoon boots all that much in pictures, media, etc. to view them 'in action' all that much - even the online searches don't reveal much regarding their usage and history during the war. In other words, kinda rare and hard to find material on it would seem. I'm curious if the infantry officer who used them referred to them as being 'tall boots' or simply as cavalry - all depends on the individual I suppose...

Thank you again for your time!

As a perfect example of their impracticality for foot troops, when the original French Dragoons serving in Spain during the Napoleonic Wars were forced into an infantry role due to the increasing shortage of horses (dragoons were trained as both cavalry and infantry and were armed with muskets as well as sabers) they retained their brass helmets and long-tailed tunics but exchanged their boots for ordinary shoes. (They probably ditched their long, heavy sabers as well.)

 

[History36]

Good info & thanks for sharing that historical indeed. It helps to shed a little more light on the usage of this style of boots. If I may ask further please, whereabouts did you find that source of info...just so that I can read up more on that event? I can always key it in and see if I can locate it. But, thanks again and for the info!