Uniforms of the Washnington Artillery

Washington Artillery Uniforms

Notice: Some of the images (all credited) on this page are of artifacts

from the collection of Confederate Memorial Hall Museum in New Orleans.

They cannot be reproduced in any form without permission from the museum.

In Camp & Battle with the Washington Artillery

Mexican War Era 1840s

First Company, Native American Artillery circa 1840s

(Their sky blue uniforms earned them the nickname "Bluebirds.")

Shako, circa 1830s like those used in Louisiana (see above lithograph)

with Napoleonic eagle and letters "L" & "A" for either Light Artillery or Louisiana Artillery

Rare 1839 booklet entitled Address of the Louisiana Native American Association

in which James B. Walton is listed as one of its members.

Antebellum Uniform 1850s

Being a local militia, the Washington Artillery could choose whatever style uniform it desired. It chose to pattern its uniform after the French. After all, New Orleans had a strong French ancestry, and there was a certain amount of "romance" associated with both that European country and its military look. Napoleonic appeal was still strong.

French artillery officer circa 1850s

Washington Artillery officers circa 1850s

(from a lithograph on an 1850s sheet music)

Washington Artillerist circa 1850s

Notice WA buckle and shako hat

Washington Artillery Officer's Uniforms

Antebellum 1858-1860

Washington Artillery "dress" uniforms consisted of dark blue frock coats , royal blue or sky blue pants with a wide red stripe down its outer seam, red kepi with peacock blue band having brass cross cannon and the Zouave-style letters "WA." Collars were red with sewn cloth dark blue crossed cannon. Cuffs were red. Enlistedmen and officers wore standard brass epaulettes attached to the shoulders, Louisiana pelican buttons adorned the front, and white buff belt with shoulder strap. Staff officers wore gold bullion shoulder epaulettes. The buckles were of several variations, including a rectangular plate with a pelican within a circle, a rectangular plate with a pelican with rays radiating behind it, or a US Model 1838 two piece sword buckle, altered by removing the "US" and either engraving or casting "WA" on its tongue. Accoutrements consisted of Model 1842 US muskets, cap boxes, and cartridge boxes with brass crossed cannon on their flaps. Knapsacks were black tarred leather with a script "WA" on its flap and a red blanket roll. Every man also carried a sword and pistol. Swords were of various makes and models, some preferring the Thomas, Griswold-made artillery saber with brass scabbard and a white buff leather sword knot. Pistols varied in make and model. The unit's gold badge of crossed cannon within a circular artillery belt was usually attached to the uniform by a clasp and watch chain as added security against its loss. White gloves, and sometimes even white gaiters, completed the ensemble.

However, as early as September of 1861, the Washington Artillerists' uniform and accoutrements changed. Their blue coats looked too much like their Northern foes and caused confusion in battle. William Miller Owen commented, "The blue cloth dress uniforms have been shipped to Richmond and will there remain for swell occasions. We have reduced our equipment since active service began. Knapsacks have been voted a bore, and have been or will be thrown aside. On leaving home each man had his revolver for 'close quarters' and the sabre was part of the regulation uniform. Both are in disgrace. The revolver will be traded off, sold, or sent home, and the sabres (all that are left, for many have disappeared during the past week) will be turned over to the cavalry."

By March of 1862 Confederate General Joe Johnston would distribute General Order 34, forbidding noncommissioned officers and privates from carrying pistols.

Hand-tinted albumen image of

A. R. Blakeley, 2nd Co. WA.

showing militia uniform with accoutrements-circa 1861

Hand-tinted albumen image of Edward & William Miller Owen

showing antebellum-era officer's militia uniforms

Rectangular pelican (marked "N.O.") buckle type used by William Miller Owen in above image

Rectangular pelican "with rays" buckle type used by Edward Owen in above image

Washington Artillery

Antebellum militia uniform

(Due to their blue color and confusion in battle, these uniforms were soon changed to

Confederate grey after the First Battle of Bull Run and retired for use at special events.)

Washington Artillery

Antebellum militia uniform of

J. B. Richardson

(Courtesy Confederate Memorial Hall Museum)

rear view

White buff leather sword knot used by WA

WA Back Pack

Washington Artillery Enlistedman's Uniform

Antebellum 1858-1860

Private T. H. Fuqua, Third Company WA circa 1861

(from cdv)

WA Enlistedmen (left)

Captain B. F. Eshleman (right) circa 1861

(from imperial size albumen print)

Civil War Era

Washington Artillery uniforms changed to regulation CSA models after confusion at the battle of Manassas at the beginning of the War Between the States.

Their militia blue coats looked too much like the federal uniforms of the North.

Officer's

Frock Coat

belonging to

William Miller Owen

Owen had his Confederate officer's frock coat tailor-made to his specifications. He chose a special bluish-grey material. However, by 1864 this uniform had seen heavy use.

Unable to afford the purchase of a new one, Owen commented, "Desiring to make a presentable appearance in Petersburg, my good friend Mrs. Dunn has employed a sewing woman to renovate my uniform coat, to turn it inside out, at the cost of $50...[as] ...a new one cost $500."

(courtesy Confederate Memorial Hall)

rear view

Civil War Enlistedman's Shell Jacket

Shell Jacket (left), Joseph Denegre, 5th Co. WA, wearing similar jacket (right)

5th Company, Washington Artillery

(jacket courtesy Confederate Memorial Hall)