Post American Civil War Kilted Regiments Uniform?

[LordKiltClad]

Rachel, Thanks for the pictures.

My benefit of the doubt to the guys I'm helping comes from the NY Military Museum that stated the 79th was in full regulation union uniform by 1863. It was formed in 1861. So what were they wearing from 1861-1863?

Also a little of an update, the guys that are wanting to recreate a uniform are going for ceremonial use. That's gonna take more research. *sigh*.

[Woodsheal]

It's always been my understanding that the 79th went to regulation uniform in `61, not long after reaching the Washington, DC, camps and being mustered into Federal service, and that kilts were NEVER worn in battle or in the field thereafter (though a few officers might have worn tartan trews early on). They may have worn the short NY jacket instead of the regulation Federal coat. (About half of all NY volunteer infantry regiments were issued the distinctive jacket.)

I think there's alot of wishful thinking on the part of folks trying to find evidence of kilt-wearing on Civil War battlefields. It just didn't happen...!

[macwilkin]

Rachel, Thanks for the pictures.

My benefit of the doubt to the guys I'm helping comes from the NY Military Museum that stated the 79th was in full regulation union uniform by 1863. It was formed in 1861. So what were they wearing from 1861-1863?

Also a little of an update, the guys that are wanting to recreate a uniform are going for ceremonial use. That's gonna take more research. *sigh*.

Take a look at Don Troiani's recreation of the 79th's uniform; I think it's pretty spot on -- he depicts the 79th in Cameron trews.

The research is there -- the plate in the Company of Military Historians contains much of the details from the pre-war uniform, and the CMH is reliable in terms of information.

I think Rachel and Brian have hit the nail on the head; much of what we here of kilts in the Civil War is just plain wishful thinking.

T.