Reenactor Resources
What are Zouaves?
Origins:
The Zouave uniform of the American Civil War actually had its origins in North Africa in the 1830s. Men from the Zouanua tribe of Algeria were organized into the French army in 1831 (France had colonized parts of North Africa). They wore this distinctive uniform.and as their fame grew, more and more French soldiers joined their ranks. By the time of the Crimean War in 1854, the Zouave units were compsed entirely of Europeans. Their exploits in that war added to their reputation gained in North Africa. When newspapers from around the world, including the American Harpers Weekly ran stories and illustrations, their fame spread. In the mid-19th century, it was France that set the tone for military fashion and tactics.
In the Unitied States
In the pre-Civil War Unitied States, it was common practice for men to form state militias and drilling or marching companies. Some of these adopted the uniform and name of the famous French fighters. One of the first were the Zouave Cadets, raised in 1859 by Elmer E. Ellsworth of Chicago, a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. He took the unit on tour of the eastern US cities, putting on displays of military exercises and drill. Their intricate and complex marching, flashing uniforms, and the publicity they received, generated even more interest in the Zouaves. When the war broke out, the zouave uniform was a natural fit for the early romantic view of the solders. The 5th New York's colonel was of French decent, so the zouave uniform was a perfect choice for this new unit. The Zouave units fought throughout the entire war on both sides.
About Oregon Zoauves
Each unit in the Northwest Civil War Council is a separate "club" with it's own rules and officers. We are members of the Northwest Civil War Council (NCWC) to participate in large reenactments throughout the northwest.
To participate as a memeber of the Oregon Zouaves you just need a interest in history. No experience is needed, just a love for our country's history.
Our unit does a "dual impression" of Confederate and Union Zouaves that fought ibetween 1861 - 1865 in many areas of the United States. We do not require you to do both, but find it helps at school programs, living history and reeactments to present both sides of the conflict.
Our current impression is the 1st Louisiana Company B, Wheat's Tigers.
Recommended Equipment
Items are in suggested order of purchase:
1st Louisiana Tigers
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Striped Pantaloons
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Red Battle shirt
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Blue Zouave jacket with no tambrou trimmed in red.
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Fez with red tassel
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Blue and white horizontal stripped socks
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State of Louisiana belt buckle
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Bowie Knife
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White Haversack
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Wooden canteen. (Blue Union canteen may be used.)
5th New York
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Period shirt (a second shirt is recommended)
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Red Pantaloons and white Gaiters
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Suspenders
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Zouave jacket and sash
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Fez and gold tassel w / white turban
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Vest
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Brogans with heel plates w/woolen socks (2 pair are recommended)
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Belt with SNY buckle, cartridge box and cap pouch
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Bull eye canteen
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Weapon (recommended 1853 Enfield 3 band or 1861 Springfield) with bayonet
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Haversack black tarred and mess equipment
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Black leather Jambiers (w/brown canvas inserts) OPTIONAL
Additional Items
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"A" tent if desired or shelter tent if desired
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Soldiers personal items (remember that the South and different items then their Northern counterparts)
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Period eye glasses, which can be found inexpensively online and then taken to your local eyeglass lab to have your prescription lens added. Sun glasses are not an option.
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Soft back pack (5th NYVVI) or hard sided back pack (1st Louisiana)
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Gray wool blanket
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Gum blanket (poncho) NOTE: Items above unless noted can be used for both impressions.
Please note that only Officers and NCO's are allowed to carry revolvers.
Make sure you check with an experienced member before you purchase items to make sure you get the proper item. Your first uniform is custom made by Pete Vrooman and you only pay the cost of the material for it, current (June 2018) cost of the 1st Louisiana uniform is $192.00 including socks. Additional uniforms are made at cost plus $50.00. Jambiers are custom made by Pete and cost $45.00.
Recommended Sutlers