The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: 1st arkansas inf rgt uniforms

Davide
The uniforms changed and evolved over the course of the war. What the 1st Ark may have worn in 1861 would probably be significantly different than what it might have had in 1862 or 1863 and so forth. Much depended on where it was at a given time frame, and which regional depot system they drew uniforms and gear from.

In May 1861 the Richmond Depot was just getting started. Many units therein obtained uniforms from one of several local tailor commercial contractors. Beginning of what is known as the Commutation period.... Units contracted for and obtained their own uniforms... The Army reimbursed for the cost of same. Many of these in that area were producing a shell jacket pattern that was popular in the region and near identical to the style and pattern later adopted by the Richmond Depot which historically we have classified as the "Richmond Depot Type-I" style of shell jacket. If they obtained uniforms in early 1861 while in Richmond its a good chance it was of this style or a variation thereof.

After they returned out west, the next uniform issue would most likely be significantly different, possibly the Columbus Depot Type-I or something similar. Would have to check their quartermaster returns to see what and when they might have received over issues.

Most reenactment units/groups these days tend to select a primary given date or time frame for their units portrayal. So if one selects the 1863-64 era as their most common portrayal period. Focus on what the unit may have had during that time. Some units have several different impression kits to be better able to portray early, mid or late war period more accurately. Some groups have little or no authenticity standards and just don't care and anything go's so you have a mismatched mob of whatever the individual whim might have been. You generally wouldn't have 1861 jackets still surviving in use in 1864... nor 1864 pattern issue jackets making appearance at an 1862 event. Much of it depends on the time frame you wish to portray... also what level of authenticity your group desires to do.

1st Arkansas came to Richmond early on, since Virginia was seen as the seat of war and predicted that most if not all the fighting when be there. Of course there quickly was fighting started up in the western theater too. 1st Ark requested to be transferred back out west because they were eager to get into the fight, and nothing was active in Virginia at that time. So back out west they went. Found themselves quickly in the thick of the fighting at Shiloh.... As the old saying go's "Be careful what you ask for since you might actually get it".

On a related side note.... One of my ancestors was Lieut Colonel John Baker Thompson of the 1st Ark... He was native of Virginia, but had moved to Ark just before the war as a college professor. Was elected Major then Lt.Col of the 1st Ark. He was one of the staff officers bringing the unit to Richmond as well as requesting it be sent back west. He was later mortally wounded at Shiloh... struck by 7 bullets as they were leading a charge into the Hornets Nest... he died two days later on April 8th. Buried on the field. Post war family and friends went back to Shiloh recovered his remains and brought them back to Richmond Va to be buried in family burial lot there.

Good luck on your American Civil War reenactment endeavors... Many of those in various European locations with similar interests have ventured over to the US to participate in some of the larger 150th reenactment events on occasion...

Frederick
(Richmond Va)

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1st arkansas inf rgt uniforms
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