An Antebellum Militia Officer Daguerreotype
This officer holds a Model 1834 general officer’s sword, likely produced by the Ames Manufacturing Company, judging by its pommel and mounts. He wears narrow sleeves associated with Mexican War–era
Category: Antebellum Warriors
Representative Portrait of the Militia Culture Bridging Two Wars
This clean-shaven officer, in gold trim, with a staff-pattern buckle and a fashionable eagle-head sword, is representative of the militia culture in the antebellum United States. Between the Treaty of
Shako, Stock, and Sword: Portrait of a Palmetto State Militiaman
By Ron Field The antebellum volunteer militia of South Carolina wore a great variety of uniforms. Distinguished by the Palmetto-shaped plume on extended stem, and Palmetto device at the front
“One of Nature’s Truest Noblemen” in Three Wars
By Joe Bauman Few soldiers served in the major armed conflicts of 1812, Mexico, and the Civil War. The most notable name is Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, who commanded the
Stars, Stripes and Port Arms!
This well-appointed soldier appears ready for duty with one hand on the grip of his sword and the other mid-blade, suggestive of the port arms drill position for inspection. Though
A Pre-Civil War Sailor
The sailor in this image wears a white cotton warm weather frock with blue “nankin” collar and bib bordered with three strips of white trim. The blue bib suggests this
A Member of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry
The uniform, equipment and bearskin cap worn by this militiaman closely resemble those worn by members of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry. Established in 1855 in a reorganization of the state
A U.S. Army Assistant Surgeon in Profile
Marcus Aurelius Root, renowned Philadelphia photographer and author of the 1864 treatise and handbook, The Camera and the Pencil; or the Heliographic Art, created this portrait of a U.S. Army
A Highlander, 1859
By Ron Field Scottish immigrants to the U.S. during the 19th century brought with them a rich military tradition. Wearing full Highland uniforms, militia companies of Scottish origin formed in
A Mexican War Volunteer
The cross-belts and bayonet scabbard worn by this volunteer are consistent with equipment used during the Mexican War. His tailcoat with tapered sleeves and buttons (known as “coin buttons” for