First Bull Run Manassas- Union Troops Dressed Up Based On French Uniforms!

muzzleloader

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2006
This is a fact-This was very much found in the Manassas Battle-They actually were very much in love with the French and emulated them- Maine and NY troops wore these red, blue and outrageous colored uniforms. Union troops had these unique uniforms - it was never all blue as Grant or Sherman wore.
 
Muzzleloader; units were garbed as Zouves throughout the entire war... ironically Zouves dress was based on North African tribesman serving w/ the French Army.

French uniforms were common on both sides of the Mason Dixon both Zouve style dress and elements of Regulation French Army Dress. Several North Eastern states issued full uniforms & kit that were French pattern. The CS issued many trousers & packs originally destined for the French Army.

French Arms were initially issued all over the place on both sides of the line... some were 1st rate arms; most were not.

The kepi... was a direct copy of a French cap.

French military practices were considered the epitome of the day and if copying is flattery the French should have been flattered.
 
The north had many zouave regiments,but the most practical

zouave uniform {or no uniform,if you wish} was Wilson's zouaves

of the 6th N.Y commanded by Col. Billy Wilson.

The uni consisted of a gray shirt coat and blue trousers

complete with slouch hat. From today's view point it makes sense to

wear such a practical uniform.
 
billywilson said:
The north had many zouave regiments,but the most practical

zouave uniform {or no uniform,if you wish} was Wilson's zouaves

of the 6th N.Y commanded by Col. Billy Wilson.

The uni consisted of a gray shirt coat and blue trousers

complete with slouch hat. From today's view point it makes sense to

wear such a practical uniform.



Billy, You seem to have some interesting info about the CW.

Why don't you introduce yourself at the "New Recruits Meet & Greet Area"?
 
samgrant said:
What's wrong with Billy's thing?

Well, I don't know how to answer that one! :laugh1:

But as to the unit he's describing: how can they be a Zouave unit without having a Zouave uniform / costume / garb whatever you want to call it? :shrug:

Capt. Coxetter
 
There was no "zouave" uniform. Zouave-type might be a better description. Usually, zouave means in the French-African style which could mean almost anything. The accepted version is not what billy describes, but his specification could be well with the definition of "zouave."

Ole
 
Zouave?

Thank ye, Ole; great to BE back!

OK, let's say "Zouave-type", or "French-African": I still don't see how the clothing Billy describes fits the bill. :confused:

Capt. Coxetter
 
johan_steele said:
Muzzleloader; units were garbed as Zouves throughout the entire war... ironically Zouves dress was based on North African tribesman serving w/ the French Army.

quote]

Shane, as to the above, did not the Union army issue standard uniforms after the war got going? Where there any Zouave units after 1861?, etc.

If a Zouave wore out his outfit, what did he replace it with? After all, at some point survival became more important than a 'fashion statement'.
 
Sam

There were still quite a few Zouves in the field as late as 64 and IIRC at least two took part in the Grand Review. IIRC there was a standardized Zouve uniform at some point but I can't say as I recall when that happened.
 
Back
Top