"CSA wagon markings on the canvas part" Topic

I know that the "what color are the gun carriages and wagons" topic/question gets asked frequently on TMP, so I'm not going in the direction. What I want to know is what type of markings were painted on the canvas part of the wagon to Identify it. Union markings for Quartermaster, Ordnance, etc. are known, but what about the Confederate wagons?

I'm thinking about painting A.N.V on the canvas and then below that something like "I Corps" or "1st Corps" below the ANV letters. Does this seem reasonable or are there other suggestions?

I googled "Supply wagon markings in the American Civil war", and it looks as though most weren't marked at all.

I am not sure about the accuracy, however, I like to paint U.S. Army in the canvas of my Confederate wagons and then cross it out and paint CSA under the crossed U.S. Given the number of wagons captured by the Rebels, it just seems right to me.

I think ANV would be a nice touch – as noted, the Rebs were a bit short on supply and also used a lot of captured Union rolling stock so Red Jacket's idea for a few of the wagons would be neat

I am not sure about the accuracy, however, I like to paint U.S. Army in the canvas of my Confederate wagons and then cross it out and paint CSA under the crossed U.S. Given the number of wagons captured by the Rebels, it just seems right to me.

Well, after Gettysburg at the fight at Monterey Pass the Confederates lost over 250 wagons to Kilpatrick's cavalry in the second largest engagement in Pennsylvania.

So I guess those wagons could have U.S, crossed off, then CSA crossed off and U.S. painted back on!

Kim

For some variety, try "AVIS Rentals". Should get a laugh and lighten up the game!

If you look at the "Carriage of Spirits" scene from The Good The Bad And The Ugly – there are quite a few Confederate markings on the Ambulance Wagon. I am sure the film was thoroughly researched.

OldYeller, I am not sure that is a good reference. Even the CSA flag is wrong for the region and time.

Tom Dye, I like your idea. LOL now I'm thinking UHaul for one wagon..

The definitive word on markings for a Confederate Supply Wagon
Brought us from Lego

In all seriousness – I think there was a real variety and suggest for wargame purposes to paint to the purpose it is serving – even if for humor

Hmmm Virginia and the east has desert and cactus. Lol.

Disaster Wargamer – might work for Val Verde, Glorieta Pass, or Picacho Pass. And I'd get that carbine out of the water barrel before the Captain sees it!
Cheers!

In reality, the CSA wagoneer's were civilians, not military men. They contracted to the CSA their services and wagons to haul supplies. They likely would not have marked their own wagons with any designation.

Tom, I love your idea! Back when Uncle Duke got us into ACW with his Confederals, I made barns with "See Rock City" on the roof for our Chattanooga battles, and also did one that had "Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco" on the side!

Sometimes it's more fun to have fun then to be 100% historical.

Kim

Jim;
An interesting question.

Historian Michael Hardy, in an online article, references Peter Wellington Alexander, who was a Southern newspaper correspondent.

He also references Hess' book on Civil War logistics.

The gist of the article mostly focuses on where the teamsters came from (a combination of detailed from the ranks, free blacks/slaves, and civilians), but says that there is precious little information otherwise.

Best guess for your needs might be "ANV" or "CS", as some of the pictures of wagons I've seen have a plain "US" painted on.

I'd steer clear of "captured" wagons, given the time period for your game.

My two Pine Tree Shillings.

Eric

None of mine have markers. It was pretty rare to have markings, especially Confederate wagons. Not all of them had a canvas top.