Uniforms of the Civil War

Although the phrase "the Blue and the Gray" succinctly evokes the North and the South, in actuality, the uniforms of Civil War soldiers were anything but "uniform" -- not in color, nor any other facet. This fascinating branch of military history is fully explored in "Uniforms of the Civil War," presenting an in-depth study of the many and varied uniforms worn by northern and southern soldiers.

Incorrectly christened the "ragged rebels, " the Confederate forces were initially as finely equipped as their Union counterparts. While the most notable feature of the uniforms of the U.S. Army was, in fact, its regulation dark blue color, the Confederates had much more variation, with uniforms ranging from the familiar gray to the light brown known as "butternut." The many styles and colors worn by the South are presented in a state-by-state survey, from initial local supply through to state quartermaster manufacturers. The North is covered in similar depth, with chapters detailing the uniforms and equipment of the regular army, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. There are also sections on the many colorful militia regiments raised to swell the Northern Army, including the fanciful yet fearsome Zouaves, Chasseurs, Lancers, and Hussars in their own spectacular uniforms, as well as the little-known role of American Indian Cavalry units.

"Uniforms of the Civil War" is an especially rich source for reenactors, and it will also provide hours of fun browsing for all Civil War enthusiasts.