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
Category: Antebellum Warriors
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
A Militia Company on Parade
A militia company stands along a roadway in Angelica, N.Y., while curious townspeople inspect them. Armed with muskets and wearing pompon-topped shakos and cross-belts, they appear ready for parade. According
The Officer Who Executed General Order No. 227
There could be no question by January 1860 that the nation was going to war. At least this was the opinion of Connecticut Gov. William A. Buckingham, commander-in-chief of the
Possible Revenue-Marine Sailor
By Ron Field Identified as Joseph White, this seafarer may have served in the antebellum Revenue-Marine Service. He wears an overshirt with large stars on the collar, a black silk
The Sapper
By Ron Field Axe-wielding sappers were an invaluable asset to Napoleonic armies, and still prominent in many antebellum U.S. militia units. During the 1850s, sappers were the militia equivalent of