American Civil War Uniforms

[Drusilla1S]

Why did the armies of the Confederate States choose grey as the colour for their uniforms? Was it an economic, social or cultural decision?

[gary baldy]

Because grey was just soooooo 'now' in 1861 - and its very slimming aswell dont you think?

[Drusilla1S]

Hi gary baldy. It was probable one of Karl Lagerfeld's first assignments. Hope you are well.

[Clanad]

Throughout the Civil War there was little standardization of uniforms on both sides. But, especially on the Confederate side, each State had it's own regulations for uniforms, but since most of the states were unable to provide the uniforms, each unit provided its own. These varied in colors. The raw wool used to make most uniform coats were left in a natural color that sun faded to a light brown known as "butternut". some units even had blue uniforms. Notably, at the Battle of Shiloh, on April 6-7, 1862, near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, many of the Confederate turned their coats inside out since the outside colors were very blue. The result was that many were shot by their own side.
Point being, Confederate gray was pretty much a myth throughout the war, with the exception of some units whose hometowns provided them with a somewhat standard uniform...

[Big Al1st]

hi http://www.almanac.com/question/oneanswer.php?questionnumber=12417

hope it helps

[Drusilla1S]

That's really interesting, Clanad. Why did such a 'grey myth' develop, I wonder?

My elder daughter is really interested in military history as her father is into wargaming and she got a taste for the American Civil War after watching a table top battle at a club in France, recently.

Many thanks and best wishes.

[Drusilla1S]

Thanks BigAl1st. That's the icing on the cake. Thank you all very much. I'm just going to collect the girls from school. I'm sure little M. will be overjoyed at your answers.