Zouave fashion erupted into a full-blown phenomenon during the Civil War as citizen soldiers on both sides of the conflict joined the volunteer armies. Individual organizations adopted a signature style in which the membership dressed accordingly. The Zouave movement marched on in natty glory until the 1890s. By that point, the militia system that had dominated the American military scene for decades had morphed into the National Guard. As uniform styles evolved to meet the practical tactical necessities on the ground, the Zouave fashion became obsolete. Though the representative portraits pictured here are far from a complete picture of the American Zouave, the images are a tribute to its far-reaching influence.
Dan Miller has amassed a sizable and diverse collection of Zouave images over many years. The collection is at the center of his forthcoming book that traces the culture and uniforms of the Zouave soldier in America.
13th New York State Militia
The distinctive red trimmings, short rollover collar and white waist belt with flat brass belt plate marks this soldier as a member of Company D of the 13th New York State Militia. The regiment was activated in 1861 for duty in Annapolis and Baltimore, Md., in 1862 in southeastern Virginia, and in 1863 during the Confederate invasion that ended in the Battle of Gettysburg.
