The Union Uniform
The Union soldiers began with a variety of different uniforms at the start of the Civil War, but eventually developed a common uniform. In fact, before a common uniform many soldiers wore uniforms of their native country! Eventually, their uniform consisted of:
1) A dark blue frock coat hanging to mid-thigh (lower-ranking officers and soldiers)
2)Double-Breasted Coats (high-ranking officers)
3) Single-breasted frocks (low ranking soldiers)
- buttons were used for identification of rank
- all uniforms were made out of wool
These uniforms served well for the Union soldiers. However, near the end of the Civil War, the soldiers went barefoot after their shoes fell apart.
The Picture to the left depicts a union Officer in full uniform.
1) A dark blue frock coat hanging to mid-thigh (lower-ranking officers and soldiers)
2)Double-Breasted Coats (high-ranking officers)
3) Single-breasted frocks (low ranking soldiers)
- buttons were used for identification of rank
- all uniforms were made out of wool
These uniforms served well for the Union soldiers. However, near the end of the Civil War, the soldiers went barefoot after their shoes fell apart.
The Picture to the left depicts a union Officer in full uniform.
The Confederate Uniform
Like the Union army, there was a lack of uniform similarity among the Confederate soldiers at the beginning of the Civil War. Because of the different colors and styles worn, the soldiers would sometimes get confused about who was on their side. Some doctors and nurses serving the Confederates were mistaken for Union workers because of their blue frocks.
In 1863 a design was created for the Confederate soldiers and officers.
Their uniform included:
1) A gray uniform, with a gray frock coat hanging to mid-thigh (officers and soldiers)
2) gray képi (cap with flat top)
3) jacket, trousers
- The uniforms were made out of cotton cloth, which didn't isolate heat or cool air like the Union's wool did.
After wearing these uniforms for so long in so many conditions, their coats turned brown.
In 1863 a design was created for the Confederate soldiers and officers.
Their uniform included:
1) A gray uniform, with a gray frock coat hanging to mid-thigh (officers and soldiers)
2) gray képi (cap with flat top)
3) jacket, trousers
- The uniforms were made out of cotton cloth, which didn't isolate heat or cool air like the Union's wool did.
After wearing these uniforms for so long in so many conditions, their coats turned brown.
The picture below (right) depicts a Confederate soldier's uniform. The picture above (left) is a kepi that was worn by both sides during the war.