What uniforms did the Union wear in the Civil War?

Union Uniforms The Union uniform consisted of a dark blue wool coat with light blue trousers and a dark cap called a forage cap. They typically wore shoes that went up to their ankles called “brogans”. The coat often had bright buttons that sometimes indicated the rank of the soldier or what state they represented.

Where do Civil War reenactors get their uniforms?

C&C Sutlery This company specializes in Civil War uniforms. C&C began designing and marketing their clothing in 1976. Not only do they carry Confederate and Union uniforms, but they also carry civilian clothing for those standing on the sidelines of the reenactment.

Why did the Union have blue uniforms during the Civil War?

Why did the Union wear blue and the Confederacy wear grey during the Civil War? Old hunters and Indian fighters of the pre-Civil War era wore blue or light gray so they would not stand out at a distance. This tradition was carried over into the selection of army uniform colors.

Why did the Union and Confederate armies standardize their uniforms?

Uniforms Cause Confusion: During the earlier skirmishes, similar uniforms on opposing sides led to fratricidal incidents. Often soldiers on both sides killed their own men after mistaking them for enemy owing to confusing uniforms. This made military on both sides to pursue the objective of standardizing the uniforms.

How do you identify a Civil War uniform?

Uniforms and clothing worn by Union and Confederate Soldiers During the Civil War

  1. The two sides are often referred to by the color of their official uniforms, blue for the Union, gray for the Confederates.
  2. Primarily, however, regular U.S. Army troops wore their traditional dark blue trousers, jackets and kepi caps.

Where do reenactors get their muskets?

They can often be found at reenactment events where you can also buy your guns and other gear. If you are looking for an original or rare gun, you could try to find them at online auctions, pawn shops, armslist, at gun shows, and even garage sales.

What did Civil War soldiers eat?

Typical fare during the Civil War was very basic. Union soldiers were fed pork or beef, usually salted and boiled to extend the shelf life, coffee, sugar, salt, vinegar, and sometimes dried fruits and vegetables if they were in season.

Did some Confederates wear blue?

Local militia units that had their own uniforms wore them as they came to join the Union or Confederate armies. Some Union units wore gray, while some Confederates were attired in blue.

Why was it decided that both sides would wear uniforms?

Uniforms were convenient for the troops on both sides because many soldiers wore whatever they brought with them from home. Many local militia units had uniforms of their own to wear as they joined the Union or Confederate army. It made things easier for those who couldn’t afford their own uniforms.

How can you tell the difference between Confederate and Union uniforms?

Uniforms and clothing worn by Union and Confederate Soldiers During the Civil War. The two sides are often referred to by the color of their official uniforms, blue for the Union, gray for the Confederates.