Western Campaign

Confederate Uniforms

(Under Construction)

There were a variety of sources for the uniforms of the Confederates in the Western Campaign.

Much (or most in some units)of what the troops wore was civilian cloths of a wide variety.

Head gear consisted of slouch hats, sombreros and various military hats. A number of captured union supply depots yielded current issue and earlier military uniforms. Those who entered service directly from the military or who were veterans often brought their old uniforms with them. When surplus or captured US uniforms were used they would do such things as turn the belt buckle upside down and turn coat s inside out to cut the odds of being hit by friendly fire. In Petericolas diary there is mention of buying replacement cloths, particulary trousers made from heavy canvas, in El Paso. Such trousers would likely be cut for the older drop front as well as the more modern "French fly".

Footwear could be not only brogans but boots and civilian shoes. On the frontier boots and shoes could take on the look of heavily built moccasins as well as what today is thought of as traditional footwear. Footwear could be built as a pair of right and left shoes and could be straight last, that is made to fit either foot. (The modern reenactor should bear in mind that while a straight last shoe is made to initially fit either foot they should be worn consistently on one foot or the other as with wearing they gradually conform to whichever foot its worn on. Switching back and forth is a good way to destroy both shoes and feet.)

The following are clothing hints for civilian cloths on the prairie and frontier.
Wool was the best all around fabric. Other materials like linen or cotton could not offer the same protection against the sun, rain and sudden drops in temperature like wool did. Pants were made of a thick soft woolen material with reinforced seats and inner legs of buckskin so as nat to wear out with constant saddle riding. Woolen socks, and knee high leather boots, with a wide mouth to admit pant legs, were best for the horseman and guarded against snakebite. Moccasins were preferred to boots while traveling through deep snows during cold-weather as they were more pliable and allowed a freer circulation of blood to the feet. Buckskin and elk skin pants were most effective in preventing the cold air from penetrating the skin and were an excellent defense against harsh brush. European cavalry had long used leather trousers and lined pants, as did the vaquero of the south west. Experienced Indian fighters also preferred buckskin breeches. Large neckerchiefs were used by the experienced westerner for everything from keeping one's hat on in the wind to serving as a dust mask or bandage. Some military units even adopted certain colors and patterns. The "Garibaldi" red war shirt and neckerchief were popular items of dress. Hispanic men had long worn head scarfs and neckerchiefs in the southwest, with the colors black end red being favorites.

Union overcoats were certainly present as mentioned in the Petericolas diary. In fact his prevented him from capture behind Union lines.