"Militia Company Uniforms?" Topic

Wondering if I can get some references on militia companies from 1830-1860.

So, if there was a mobilization in 1830 or 1850, I'd like an idea what the Soldiers would be wearing. Certainly some would be wearing slouch hats any time, later may have kepi, earlier may have shakos, a wide mix of blues and greys.

Zouaves…not until 1850s?

And what about the horse? Instead of militia companies, would they have a troop here and there or would each be self-contained?

I realize that the easiest uniform info would be for 1st Manasses, and figure that an 1850 mobilization would look much the same, but would like some better references than the ones I already have.

Thanks in advance!

I'd look at Mexican-American war. There was a lot of militia that fought there, and pretty close in time to your target date.

I am traveling but I think that I may have some references in the library in a book published about 30 years ago – will check when I am home later this week

I'm hoping for a single source book, but there's also the possibility of the info being spread all over various on-line resources.

Many of these units probably still exist as National Guard units of various kinds, e.g. 1st Troop City Cavalry from Philadelphia is the 1-104 CAV in the Pennsylvania Army Reserve National Guard. I was just at their armory the other day for a charity event. They have their own museum.

I think information for this period will be sketchy at best, and militia uniforms were probably in a state of flux as French influence took hold. I know of no single source, but I think I would look to the Company of Military Collectors and Historians' publications. Over the years, its members did a lot of research in this era.

link

I had a chance to look at a buddy's references – the Company of Military Historicans books are great sources

In 1830 the regs only specified that the militiaman had a servicable weapon and accouterments, so many of the militia had a very civilian look – by 1850 uniforms were more common, often on a by company basis

The five companies that made up The First Defenders, the first militia companies from Pennsylvania to respond President Lincoln's call for volunteers, wore both their designated uniforms and civilian clothes, as members joined after the call and were added to round up numbers.

This is documented in a couple of the various Ospreys, as well as a specific book on the First Defenders.

During the period in question, volunteer militia companies would sometimes form, go for a while, then fall off and either reform under a new name/commander/uniform or not…

My current ARNG unit, HHC 213th Regional Support Group, in Allentown, PA, is descended from the Allen Rifles/Infantry, who were part of the First Defenders. They are documented as wearing militia grey uniforms in the Federal pattern. So, use the frock coat, instead of the sack coat. Maybe a kepi instead of the forage cap, all with black trim.

Hope that helps.

Eric

Some great suggestions, thanks!

@epturner
Do you have info on the First Defender's book?

I have found these two so far:
link

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