About Civil War Costumes
April 12, 1861 to May 26, 1865 was perhaps the longest period in our Nation's history. These were the years of the Civil War, the costliest war in terms of lives lost. Six hundred eighteen thousand men died fighting. The memory of the lives lost and the battles they fought are kept alive through the many reenactments that take place each year. And the uniforms they wore with pride are as much a part of these reenactments as the battles they fought.
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Significance
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The use of Civil War costumes during reenactments brings a sense of authenticity to the battles being reenacted. They help keep this period of history alive.
Types
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The most common costumes found are that of the Confederate and Union soldiers. There are also dresses worn by the women of the Civil War era, both of the North and the South.
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Features
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The soldier's uniforms are complete with the insignias of both the Union and Confederate armies, as well as patches displaying their division. These include sharpshooters, infantry, cavalry and artillery.
Geography
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Civil War costumes are most generally worn for reenactments that take place all over the United States. They range as far north as Rhode Island, as far south as Florida and as far west as California.
Fun Fact
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In the beginning of the war, uniforms for both sides were given to the soldiers by towns and states, which resulted in a variety of colors and styles. It wasn't until later in the war that the colors became the distinct blue for the Union army and gray for the Confederate army.
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Resources
- Photo Credit zunal.com, oswego.edu, scrapetv.com
