New Recruits

There are an endless number of impressions available for any one person to develop. From the basic infantryman or farmers to doctors and politicians. We are currently working on additions to our military and civilian guidelines, please check back!

Our membership ranges from the ages of 13 to over 40. Each of us having our own honed impression covering wide aspects of this period. Although based in New Jersey we have members who are located all over the tri-state area.. Covering a wide range of events of the course of the year, there are limitless opportunities to try new scenarios and at the close of ever year was have more and more stories from the field. A few members bring their full time lives with them and those wives and children always play and intricate role in our presence.

The "14th New Jersey, Company H" is a great regiment to base ones basic impression on. Like most Union units they wore simple contract uniforms which allows us great flexibility when portraying other units. Some of the
basic gear is as follows can be located by the quality sutlers on our links
page.

Portraying a basic federal soldier is a great way to enter the hobby and a wonderful building block to launch yourself back into time. Our uniform recommendations are simple. Always ask a veteran member about their opinions and if you buy the good stuff it will look better and last longer. We always have a plethora of loaner gear available as well if you would like to test the water first.

1.) The most important parts of a soldiers kit is his attitude!- This you cant buy. We all have a serious love for this particular time of American History and it is that interest that spurs us to present ourselves in a well researched and respectable manner. Something to think about!

2.) Second to attitude one of the key items to accurate portrayal is a quality hat. The majority of union soldiers where outfitted as per regulations with a Forage Cap. One of the first pieces of gear that the spectators seems to notice is your headwear. There are a few variations, the simpler the better but if your unsure ask! Hat insignia we at best sparse and would reflect at the most a unit number. Original Forage Cap, Further references, Echoes of Glory- Arms and Equipment

3.) The other concentration of any one impression should be a quality jacket. Both the blouse, as it was called and the hat will stand out above all the other oddments you will wear. As per regulations each soldier was to have a Frock coat, which is a single breasted style with a skirt falling to the knees. For most impressions a Federal Sack (fatigue) Coat is the choice pick. It is a simple 4 button jacket which should not be tailored to you. Original Sack Coats, Further references; Echoes of Glory- Arms and Equipment, Jackets

4.) The musket may well be the most expensive investment you will make. Two main choices would be the 1861 Springfield Rifled Musket or the Enfield Rifled Musket. Both of which were used extensively by both armies in all theaters. There are other options as well which we would like you to explore, just ask. These can cost between $500 and up. Rifle Research and Documentation

5.) Trousers and a proper pair of "Brogans" or properly called Booties. It is highly suggested that you purchase both of these in person as especially for infantry both are very important for comfort and quality. Fortunately we have a better size and quality selection then the patriots of the war.

6.) There are a wide variety of shirts that are available. It is suggested that you carry both an U.S. Issue and civilian shirt. When combined together you will be able to achieve a great degree of comfort in all weather, just like they did! Federal Issue Shirt

7.) The infantry needed a few leather pieces to support their muskets. First being the cartridge box which holds your rolled ammunition. A pattern 1858 or 1861 US box will be the best bet for versatility. They were issued the most as well as being very similar to many confederate produced boxes. A cap pouch held the percussion cap to fire your weapon and a "shield front" would be the number one choice. To hold your weapons bayonet a two-rivet scabbard would be most versatile. Both the U.S. issued Enfield bayonets and Springfield bayonets where coupled with a two-rivet scabbard. No frogs necessary! Finally to hold this all to your body a U.S. issue belt. Original Leather Gear

8.) The canteen was a mans best friend! Two types of canteens exist. A tin smooth side canteen with brown cover would cover any impression, and a "bulls eye" would work for any post 1862 event! Notes on the Canteen

9.) Tent age is highly important and will have to be researched to fit your needs. For the private soldier and even the non-commissioned officers who sport a family or need a larger living space an A-frame tent is an excellent choice. 6x6 was the standard size but there are a great many available. On campaign any one soldier would be issued a shelter half. When buttoned to a comrades half a full tent would be had. Shelter Tent Article

10.) Blankets are obviously a necessity for braving the elements. The general rule of thumb as with all things really applies to blankets, buy the good stuff! A well documented and researched purchase will reward you with less weight, more comfort and heat! With your blanket purchase a "ground cloth" would also come in handy. These are waterproofed canvas sheets made with either a paint or vulcanized rubber, as can double as a tent, raincoat or sleeping bag. Blanket Thoughts

11.) Haversacks and Knapsacks were used to carry the amenities of life. Both where made of painted canvas so that they would be resistance to the weather. Haversacks should contain an inner bag for your rations which will separate them from your pocket knife, candles and the such. Knapsacks should lend a hand in carrying extra shirts, rounds, and food which on the march. Notes on the Double bag

12.) A greatcoat or overcoat is a heavier garment made with a cape to ride over your fatigue uniform for the colder days.

13.) Glasses! For those of you who need these this is a very important item. We highly discourage modern eyewear and every effort should be made to obtain a period pair. Many of our members have devoted much time to researching them and can aid you in your search. It is very possible to find a pair close in your prescription as well as a pair with detachable lenses. Eyeglass Examples

A word to the wise--Most reenactors start with the most essential basic items described above and add to, their impressions as they go. You do not have to buy everything all at once to get started, as we have a great many items that can be loaned to you. Don't hesitate to ask!

Progressing on a Budget

We are slowly experimenting with Confederate impressions and have been actively looking to expand our impressions to cover those southern patriots.
Please feel free to contact us to learn more about acquiring a basic
confederate kit.

Our Military Manual, Compliments of "US Regulars"

One of the most under-represented aspects of the Civil War is that of the non-combatants both North and South. This section will be updated shortly to include a description of the basic pieces you would need to start your endeavors in this field of the hobby.

We are Updating This Section of the Website, Please Check Back

A gentlemen's outfit would consist of two major themes. One being the working nature and the other being a more formal and publicly presentable outfit.

Working or everyday clothing for a man would consist loosely of the following:

1.) A hat usually called a "slouch" hat this donates a style of loose fitting and fully brimmed. A "mechanics" hat. Top Hats, Straw Hats, etc.

2.) Overalls or a wool or cotton denim trousers would encompass both a farmers or clerks impression. Wool suits.

3.) A over shirt or knit shirt would be wore in the field or non-public occupation usually worn over a light weight cotton item.

4.) A vest for any occasion would be a necessity if without a jacket or commonplace with a jacket. Sack coats would be for a non-formal occasions.

5.) A frock coat would be a formal garment as well as a Paletot which were commonplace in any household.

However important material goods are in ones impression, certain areas such as hair and facial hair are equally important.

1860 Article on Farmers Clothing

The Huntingdon Globe Huntington, Pennsylvania Nov 28, 1860 Page: 1 FARMERS’ CLOTHES There is a gradual change going on in society now-a-days, so that it is really fashionable to dress conveniently. The “dress” or swallow-tail coat is perhaps the most inconvenient and unsuitable article of dress to be worn out of doors that can be, and yet how many men go to church in this ball costume, and think they are well dressed. Our attention is called to this garment at this time by seeing from our office window a charcoal dealer, standing in the rain, dressed in black pantaloons and a dress coat. A red shirt and overalls would be appropriate, and with a blue frock he would look like a man of sense. Clothing should always be appropriate and convenient. In farm labors the body has to undergo as many peculiar bendings and take as many attitudes as in the sailor’s, but not as constantly. We go aloft in the barn, we climb fences, spring upon horseback, dig in narrow ditches, and go through all sorts of movements in using the axe and flail, the hoe and pick, the scythe and shovel,; and our clothing, like the sailors, should be loose and easy, warm, not in the way, and many-pocketed, A Dutchman’s frock is a good dress to go to market in; and, depend upon it, a farmer in a frock will be better attended to in market, whether he is purchaser or seller, than if he comes in an old-fashioned rusty broadcloth suit, like a poor gentleman, or decayed professional man. By his very dress he shows that he is not above his business, and buys and sells as a farmer. A sailor’s dress is after all not exactly the best dress for a farmer. The farmer should wear boots-thick, water-proof boots for much of his work. The sailor wears shoes. The pantaloons of the farmer should tuck into his boots, hence, as little cloth as possible should be in the legs. For our own part we like the style worn by the old countrymen, who breeches button moderately tight about the ankle and half way up the calf. Like the sailor’s, the farmers pantaloons should be supported by the waist-band and not by suspenders, unless indeed the man be grown corpulent, and like a barrel his waist is the thickest part of him,-and should be loose and full about the hips. It is most important that persons who are liable to profuse perspiration—and all men who labor are-should wear woolen garments next to the skin. Red fannel shirts are to be recommended for both summer and warm in winter, absorb the perspiration, and permit its evaporation without chilling the wearer. The color is bright and agreeable, and it prevents a soiled appearance before the shirt is really dirty. A knit shirt, particularly for winter wear as an outer garment while at work, tucked inside the waistband, is exceedingly comfortable; and when the regular sailor’s pea-jacket, made of good stout pilot cloth, just long enough to cover the hips, with liberal side-pockets, double breasted, and with a good collar to turn up to keep snow out of the neck, is worn outside, a man needs no better clothing for ordinary cold weather. There are no coat-tails or skirts in the way, no difficulty about getting one’s hands into his pockets, nothing superfluous and everything convenient; loose enough for every action, and close enough for warmth. The throat ought, never to be protected, (except when afflicted by a cold or cough; then keep it thoroughly warm,) except in cases of extreme exposure, like driving in a storm or great cold. Nothing makes the person more susceptible to lung and throat complaints than this bundling up with furs, or tippets, or comforters-good in their time, but greatly abused by our people by being used at all times. Finally-hats. A farmer is not exposed to falling ropes, or spars, or tackle-hence, does not need a stiff tarpaulin, like a sailor or a fireman. His hat should be cool and airy in the summer, and should give shade to his head and face. A light straw, palm-leaf, or chip hat, with a moderately broad brim and low crown, is the thing for the hot season. For the winter we need something which is warmer, which will not blow off easily, which will shade the eyes from the great glare of the sun on the snow, which will in a measure protect us from the rain, and which will not be in the way nor become easily injured. A cloth cap with liberal front-piece, or a medium or low-crowed soft felt hat, answers these requirements perfectly. As to color garments-the farmer should avoid black, unless he is in the habit of making and attending fashionable parties, and then he must, of course, conform to the mode. All the greys, pepper-and-salts, and great variety of browns commend themselves. Blue we avoid, because it is a color that has been adopted by the military, and has a sort of “U.S.A.” or “U.S.M.” look. Poor stock is oftener made up into black goods than into cloth of other colors-an additional reason why it is not profitable. It shows every speck of dirt, and when threadbare looks poverty-stricken enough. As to texture. Other things being equal, those goods which either possess a full nap or felty surface besides the thread, and thus are, though loosely woven, quite thick, and enclose considerable air, enclosed in their structure. A shaggy cloth, if not made of too coarse wool, though coarsely woven and loose in texture, will be found warmer than an equally heavy cloth which is woven compactly, and which has been sheared, carded and teazled till on every part the close short nap is laid in an even silky surface. Our clothes keep us warm not by keeping the air off, that is, from contact with the skin, but by surrounding us with a mass of air which is warm and by its adhesion to the fabrics with which we are clothed is not readily displaced, at least not before it imparts a portion of its warmth to the air which displaces it, and so prevents our feeling the chill. Outer garments with a long nap shed rain also much more readily than those with a fine-finished surfaace. The long and short of this matter is that we should have a regular working dress, which should be made with a view to convenience and decency only, and for other times clothing that can be worn and worn out without its appearing ridiculous. We are said to be the worst-dressed class of the population, and distinguished from others by being inappropriately and inconveniently dressed, and it is because we cannot say it is not so, that we have written the above. Let us make a change. –Condensed from The Homestead. By Matthew Rector

Corner Clothiers Sutler

A women's outfit would also vary. You can focus on both being dressed up for social occasions or a more basic ensemble for working. Either of the two could be achieved loosely with these guidelines. As above, feel free to contact our membership for ideas, questions or loaner gear.

Civilian Q&A

1.) Pantalets also called bloomers would be worn with a chemises closest to the body as the first layer.

2.) A corset will go over the chemises and is instrumental in obtaining the correct hourglass figure. Needs to be fitted before a dress is selected. Corsetry- Read Up!

3.) A hoop skirt or corded petty coat. A hoop skirt being the more ridged and formal method while a corded petty coat would be found normally in conjunction with a work or day dress. Corded Petticoat

4.) Petticoats can be places either under or over the hoop skirt or corded petty coat. These are a safeguard against the wind! Underpinnings

5.) Your dress can be one of many styles. Great Source For Women

6.) Bonnets, Hats and Caps. Hair Should have a center part and be pulled back. Further Headgear Reading!

Extras: Shawl, Paletot, Wrappers, Etc.

Sources and Citations

Who Wore What? Women's Wear 1861-1865. Juanita Leisch

An Introduction to Civil War Civilians. Juanita Leisch.

Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans & Fashion 1840-1900. Joan L. Severa.

Americas Printed Fabrics 1770-1890. Barbara Brackman

Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960. Eileen Trestain.

Elizabeth Stewart Clarks Website for All Questions and Concerns

All of these items can be purchased from the merchants on our links page. We highly encourage asking questions to our membership as well as researching each purchase. With this a deep sense of respect for those we are representing as well as substantial money saved over the long run. There are also great many military and civilian items that can be available used on the Civil War Reenactors Forums as well as the Authentic-Campaigner Forums.