Military

Frank Brownell's Medal of Honor

The Museum's superb military collections document the history of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States. The collections include ordnance, firearms, and swords; uniforms and insignia; national and military flags and banners; and many other objects.

The strength of the collections lies in their enormous depth. Some 3,000 military small arms and 2,400 civilian firearms document the mechanical and technological history of the infantryman's weapons from the beginning of the gunpowder era to the present. Among the 4,000 swords and knives in the collection are many spectacular presentation pieces. The collections also include Civil War era telegraph equipment, home front artifacts from both world wars, early computers such as ENIAC, Whirlwind, and Sage, and materials carried at antiwar demonstrations.

Topic: Civil War, 1861-1865

Plate 28. Scouts and Guides to the Army of the Potomac

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The scouts of the Army undergo more hardship and brave greater peril than any other class.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The scouts of the Army undergo more hardship and brave greater peril than any other class. Secrecy being their only safety, their heroic deeds pass unrecorded, and when the necessity for their services has ceased to exist, with rare exceptions the brave men are altogether forgotten. Volumes might be written of their heroic deeds, and the historian of the rebellion will have failed in his duty if he neglects to chronicle the instances of their great exploits. Every army had its scouts, but none proved more efficient than those of the Army of the Potomac. The individuals in this group were attached to the Secret Service Department of the Army of the Potomac when conducted by Major Allen Pinkerton. Their faces are indexes of the character required for such hazardous work. Men of iron nerve and indomitable perseverence, they braved the halter with perfect consciousness of their peril, and seldom failed in an undertaking. During the campaign of the army in front of Fredericksburg, they proved of incalculable value.
Each man was provided with a pass from the Commanding General, written with a chemical preparation that only became visible when exposed to solar rays, and on the back of which was pencilled some unimportant memoranda, to deceive the enemy, should the scout fall into his hands. If captured, he could drop this paper, apparently by accident, without exciting suspicion; and if successful in his expedition, the pass, after a moment's exposure to the light, enabled the bearer to re-enter our lines, and proceed without delay to headquarters. They generally passed as foragers within our own lines, always coming in with vegetables, poultry, and the like, and with the enemy assumed such characters as the occasion might require. They were really spies, and often spent many days within the Confederate lines. The Union people of the South sheltered them, and furnished information that frequently led to the discovery of the designs of the enemy in time to enable our commanding officers to wholly frustrate them. A number of the scouts were taken prisoners, some of whom were executed, while the survivors, scarcely less fortunate, wasted in cells, long, weary months. A few are still retained in the employ of the Government, and have proved no less faithful servants in peace than when confronting the dangers that surrounded the military spy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-10
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.28
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.28

Plate 53. Headquarters Christian Commission, in the Field

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
One of the most striking evidences of the patriotism of the American people, and of the desire of those who were unable personally to enter the field, to render every assistance in their power to promote the Union cause, is to be found in the workings of the Christian Commission – the members of which were connected with every corps and division of the Federal Army, and who were instrumental in doing much to alleviate the sufferings of our sick and wounded soldiers, and in administering spiritual consolation to the dying.
Organized in New York on the 16th of November, 1861, and devoting itself to the interests of the army and navy, branch offices were speedily established in Washington, Philadelphia, and all our leading cities, and every little town, village and hamlet, immediately entered into the spirit of the enterprise, and poured its treasures into the coffers of the parent stem – from whence they were conveyed to the soldiers by faithful, zealous and indefatigable delegates. The women of America were untiring in their efforts to provide luxuries and comforts for our armies, and the princely liberality of our citizens, in every rank and calling, was fully and thoroughly developed. The following summary, up to January, 1865, probably is the best means of conveying an idea of the magnitude of the operations of this charitable and praiseworthy association: The receipts in 1861 were $231,256.29; in 1863, $916,837.65; in 1864, $2,882,347.86; making a total of $4,030,44. 80. During 1864, 47,103 boxes of hospital stores and publications were distributed, valued at $2,185,670.82. Two hundred and five chapels and chapel tents were erected at. a cost. of $114,359.78; and 569,594 copies of Bibles and Testaments distributed.
Libraries have been furnished to hospitals, forts, regiments, and vessels of war. Thousands of hymn-books, knapsack-books, magazines, weekly religious papers, tracts and literary productions were gladly received by the soldiers, and relieved the tedium of many a weary hour. Railroad and telegraph corporations in all parts of the land rendered gratuitous facilities in support of the institution, and, with the Government, aided the Commission very materially.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-09
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.03
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.03

Plate 33. Evacuation of Aquia Creek

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.This sketch was taken a few hours previous to the abandonment of Aquia Creek in June, 1863.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This sketch was taken a few hours previous to the abandonment of Aquia Creek in June, 1863. The Army of the Potomac was along the Rappahannock before Fredericksburg, fifteen miles distant, and had used this point and Belle Plain, a similar landing, seven miles below, as a base of supplies. The movement commenced on Saturday morning. The President was expected to visited the army on that day, but the advance of the Confederates into Pennsylvania admitting of no delay, Gen. Hooker, in the afternoon, telegraphed Mr. Lincoln not to come, and immediately made preparations to leave. At daylight, Sunday morning, the whole army was in motion, and an immense throng of sutlers and other camp followers collected at Aquia Creek for transportation to Washington. By 10 A. M. the camps between this point and Fredericksburg were all deserted, and the civilians, in constant apprehension of an attack from the Confederate cavalry that might follow up the army as it passed the landing on its march to Washington, crowded on to the boats in the greatest confusion. The steamers were already heavily laden with stores, wagons, &c,, and the evacuation was attended with scenes that would have been regarded as ridiculous but for the general alarm.
The barges anchored in the stream were locked together for the transportation of the cars on the wharf, and were towed to Washington by the steamers loaded with passengers. All of the supplies had been removed from the buildings, and the latter, erected at great expense by the Quartermaster's Department, were committed to the flames. A gunboat lay out in the river for the protection of the place until all could get away; but no enemy appeared, and in a short time nothing remained of the busy village but smoking embers and half-burned wharves. Aquia Creek has been used three times as a base of supplies; once for McDowell, in 1862; next for Burnside, after the Antietam Campaign; and finally during Grant's operations at Spottsylvania. Nearly a hundred steamers have been collected here at one time, while sailing vessels anchored in the river nearly obstructed its navigation. The wounded were brought here from Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania, to be sent to Washington; and in nearly all of the operations of the army in Eastern Virginia the place has borne a conspicuous part. The Confederates had formidable batteries on the bluffs which commanded the river previous to our occupation of Fredericksburg in the spring of 1862, and at the same time sheltered in the stream that runs down between the hills, the once notorious iron-clad Page.
The landing is now used by the Washington, Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad Company, but will probably never be more than an ordinary station. Fever and ague prevail during the summer, forbidding the growth of a village, and with the completion of the railroad to Alexandria, the place will doubtless sink into oblivion, except as connected with the military operations of the great rebellion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-06
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.33
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.33

Plate 51. The "Shebang," Or Quarters Sanitary Commission, Brandy Station

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Here is represented one of the establishments of the Sanitary Commission in the army. The object of the Commission was to alleviate the hardships of soldier life to afford physical comfort to the sick and wounded, and supply such of the well as were needy with under-clothing, &c. The Departments, or Special Bureaus were established at Washington, New York, Louisville, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and City Point, in addition to which there have been the Departments of Western Virginia, of the South, and Texas. The funds of the Commission were raised by means of Sanitary Fairs in the principal cities, and by voluntary subscription. The report of the Treasurer shows that from June 27th, 1861, to July 1st, 1865, the receipts were $4,813,750.64, and the disbursements $4,530,774.95, leaving a balance in the hands of the Commission of $282,975.69. In 1863 a Protective War Claim Association was established, and made subordinate to the Commission, for the purpose of making direct applications for pensions, arrears of pay, bounty and prize money, and for giving general information and advice relative to military and naval matters. No charges were made for these services, thus saving to the widows and representatives of the soldiers the usual fees of claim agents, which in these cases would have amounted to about $240,000.
The Relief Bureau of the Commission closed on the 1st of July, 1865. At that time there were vast stores and material on hand, all of which were turned over to General Howard's Bureau for the benefit of the freedmen. The Claim Bureau will close on the 1st of January, 1866, and turn over to the Central Bureau at Washington all the papers and documents in its possession. From that time forward, the Commission will devote itself to the preparation of a historical record, a final and full report, and the settlement of its affairs in closing up the several agencies. What will be done with the surplus funds has not yet been determined, but it is expected that they will be transferred as an endowment to some institution devoted to the interests of soldiers and of their families.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-11
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.01
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.01

Plate 18. Ruins of Norfolk Navy Yard

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.On Sceaturday [sic], the 23rd of April, 1861, the questionable policy of destroying this Navy Yard was enforced.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
On Sceaturday [sic], the 23rd of April, 1861, the questionable policy of destroying this Navy Yard was enforced. The crews of the Cumberland and Pawnee, assisted by some volunteers, landed at nine o'clock, threw the shot and small arms into the river, spiked the guns, and made arrangements for firing the shops and warehouses, extending over a space of nearly two hundred acres. The marines, as early as ten o'clock, had evacuated and fired their barracks, and soon after two A.M. the whole yard was in a blaze, as well as the old three-decker, the Pennsylvania, the Ohio, New York, &c. The Cumberland and Pawnee, proceeded to Hampton Roads, the former shortly to go down before that formidable iron-clad, the Merrimac, which was fitted out at this yard. When the Merrimac was blown up, and Norfolk evacuated by the rebels, they did what additional damage they could to the Navy Yard and its docks.
Its accessibility made it a most convenient place as a depot for the North Atlantic blockading fleets, the James River flotilla, and Gen. Graham's army gunboats.
Some of the shops were rebuilt, and the place presented a curious spectacle of industry in the midst of ruin; while the constant arrivals kept the adjacent waters filled with vessels, including magnificent frigates and sloops-of-war, renowned in many exploits, as well as gun-boats and purchased vessels of every build and tonnage, not to mention hosts of sharp Clyde-built blockade runners, long, low, and raking, brought here by their successful captors, previous to being taken North for adjudication and translation into ships-of-war for the capture of their fellows.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-12
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.18
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.18

Plate 19. Antietam Bridge, on Boonsboro and Sharpsburg Turnpike

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This structure crosses Antietam Creek on the turnpike leading from Boonesboro to Sharpsburg, and is one of the memorable spots in the history of the war, although but little suggestive in its present sunny repose, of the strife which took place near it, on the day of the battle of Antietam. Traces of the engagement are evident in the overturned stone wall, the shattered fences, and down-trodden appearance of the adjacent ground. On the night of the 16th of September, the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac captured this bridge after a sharp fight, holding it until the infantry came up. The fire of our artillery, planted on the ridges near the bridge, was terrible, and at one time no doubt contributed principally to the success of our partially disordered lines in checking the headlong assaults of the enemy.
After Lee's second invasion of Maryland, which ended with the battle of Gettysburg, and the escape of his army into Virginia at Williamsport and Falling Waters, Gen. Meade had his headquarters for a number of days on a wooded ridge called the "Devil's Backbone," situated near this stream, along which the Army of the Potomac was encamped. Very little now remains to mark the adjacent fields as a battle ground. Houses and fences have been repaired, harvests have ripened over the breasts of the fallen, and the ploughshare only now and then turns up a shot, as a relic of that great struggle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-09
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.19
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.19

Confederate Army Lieutenant John Singleton Mosby's Frock Coat

This frock coat was worn by Confederate Army Lieutenant John Singleton Mosby. Confederate cavalry leader John Mosby is among the most romantic characters in the Civil War, and with good reason.
Description
This frock coat was worn by Confederate Army Lieutenant John Singleton Mosby. Confederate cavalry leader John Mosby is among the most romantic characters in the Civil War, and with good reason. From 1863 to the end of the conflict, Mosby's raiders were a constant headache for the North. The raiders usually acted in small detachments of several dozen, though more than 1,000 men served under Mosby. They sacked supply depots, attacked railroads, and harassed federal troops. They seemed to move behind enemy lines almost at will. Their most celebrated exploit occurred when Mosby himself rode into Fairfax Station, Virginia, in the dead of the night and kidnapped a Union general.
Double-breasted gray wool jacket which originally had two rows of seven large gilt eagle buttons down the front. Five buttons are missing on left and two on right. There are two buttons at the back waist, and thread remains of two buttons on coattails. Both sides of the jacket have button holes. Above the cuff there is a single braid 1/4" gold lace insignia called an Austrian knot; the single braid indicates that Mosby was a lieutenant when he wore this coat. The collar and cuffs are faced with buff wool. There is a deep pocket in each coattail. The body of the coat and parts of the coattails are lined with dark green cotton-wool mix fabric. The sleeves are lined. The front of the jacket is lightly padded and quilted.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
wearer
Mosby, John Singleton
ID Number
AF.4409(A)
catalog number
4409(A)
accession number
20063

Slouch hat

Like many soldiers on both sides, Colonel Robert Harper had both a kepi and a comfortable slouch hat. This felt hat also did a better job of protecting the wearer from glaring sun or pouring rain.
Description
Like many soldiers on both sides, Colonel Robert Harper had both a kepi and a comfortable slouch hat. This felt hat also did a better job of protecting the wearer from glaring sun or pouring rain.
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
AF.42580
catalog number
42580
accession number
163704

Chapeau

Chapeau worn by Frederick Forsyth of the Portland Rifle Company, late 1850s. Little is recorded in the museum files about Forsyth, but we do know he was commissioned as a Captain of Company A, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Volunteer Militia, State of Maine.
Description
Chapeau worn by Frederick Forsyth of the Portland Rifle Company, late 1850s. Little is recorded in the museum files about Forsyth, but we do know he was commissioned as a Captain of Company A, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Volunteer Militia, State of Maine. He resigned his commission on April 26, 1861.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1856
associated person
Forsyth, Frederick
ID Number
AF.35633(1)
catalog number
35633(1)
accession number
96111

Old Glory flag

The name "Old Glory" was loudly proclaimed in 1824 by Captain William Driver as he hoisted the flag given to him as a birthday present. The flag would accompany Driver on his numerous voyages around the world.
Description
The name "Old Glory" was loudly proclaimed in 1824 by Captain William Driver as he hoisted the flag given to him as a birthday present. The flag would accompany Driver on his numerous voyages around the world. When he gave up seafaring and moved inland to Nashville, Tennessee in 1837, Driver continued to display the flag proudly by hanging it from a locust tree. He even updated the flag in 1861 to reflect thirty-four stars and added an anchor in the corner to indicate his sea service. When Tennessee seceded from the Union, Driver had the foresight to hide the flag and had his daughter conceal it inside a quilt, which was overlooked in numerous raids on his house. Old Glory remained in the quilt until February 25, 1862 when Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Donelson and occupied Nashville. On that day Driver uncovered the flag, marched through the streets to the capitol building, climbed to its dome, and hoisted the flag for all to see.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1824
associated date
1862-02- 25
ID Number
AF.32605
catalog number
32605
accession number
69281

Confederate Army Frock Coat

This frock coat was worn by Confederate Army infantryman Frank B. Gibson while a member of Company D of the 26th Infantry of South Carolina. Single-breasted coarse brown wool "butternut" coat which formerly had six brass infantry "I" buttons.
Description
This frock coat was worn by Confederate Army infantryman Frank B. Gibson while a member of Company D of the 26th Infantry of South Carolina. Single-breasted coarse brown wool "butternut" coat which formerly had six brass infantry "I" buttons. The top button and two bottom buttons are currently missing. There are two small brass buttons on the near the sides of the collar which depict a pinwheel design. There is a large pocket with a flap on each side of the coat. There is one breast pocket in the left inside of the coat. The coat is fully lined with the same brown wool. The chest lining is wool and is padded.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1861-1865
wearer
Gibson, Francis B.
ID Number
AF.77555M
catalog number
77555M
accession number
310956

Navy Jumper

Jumpers like this one were worn by enlisted men in the U.S. Navy. This particular jumper belonged to Charles Gillette Pratt, who enlisted on August, 29, 1864 and served aboard the U.S.S. Rhode Island. The U.S.S.
Description
Jumpers like this one were worn by enlisted men in the U.S. Navy. This particular jumper belonged to Charles Gillette Pratt, who enlisted on August, 29, 1864 and served aboard the U.S.S. Rhode Island. The U.S.S. Rhode Island had performed many and varied military activities during its tenure in the war. One activity of note was its participation in the Union siege of Fort Fisher in North Carolina on January 15, 1865. The successful land and water attack strangled supply lines to Lee’s army and dealt a crushing blow to Confederate efforts.
associated dates
1864-08-29 through 1865-06-03
user
Pratt, Charles Gillette
ID Number
1993.0433.01
catalog number
1993.0433.01
accession number
1993.0433

Army Major General D.K. Jackman's Vest

This vest was worn by Army Major General D.K. Jackman. White wool vest with 9 small flat gilt buttons (held on with rings) down the front. Worn while marshall of a parade in Philadelphia while President Lincoln's body was lying in state.
Description
This vest was worn by Army Major General D.K. Jackman. White wool vest with 9 small flat gilt buttons (held on with rings) down the front. Worn while marshall of a parade in Philadelphia while President Lincoln's body was lying in state. There is a pocket on each lower edge of the front and a small deep pocket on the upper left front. There is a large vest pocket on the inside right lining. The back is natural cotton. There is an adjustment strap with buckle. The lining is natural cotton.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1850
1865
associated person; user
Jackman, D. K.
ID Number
AF.69783M
catalog number
69783M
accession number
273248

Army Artillery Private's Trousers, Model 1860

These model 1860 mounted quartermaster red seal sample trousers were designed to be worn by an artillery private in the U.S. Army. Unlined sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a five button fly, and six buttons around the waistband.
Description
These model 1860 mounted quartermaster red seal sample trousers were designed to be worn by an artillery private in the U.S. Army. Unlined sky blue kersey wool twill trousers with a five button fly, and six buttons around the waistband. Three of the five buttons on the fly are gutta percha, and the rest are tin. Waist buttons are tin. There are vertical slash pockets set into the side seams of each leg and a watch pocket of the right side of the waistband. There is a "V" shaped slit with a reinforced eyelet hole on each side at the back waist. A second band of stitching reinforces the opening at the back center seam. There is a second layer of wool kersey reinforcement extending from the seat of the pants to the bottom cuffs. The waistband facing and pockets are made of cotton twill. Seven inches of the back seam from the opening of the waist adjustment has been covered with cotton fabric. There is a stamp on the waistband facing front left which is illegible. There is a red sealing wax quartermaster sample seal on the front left which is currently protected with mylar. Heavy brown thread was used to sew on the buttons and finish the button holes. There is a one inch slit at the bottom of the outside seam of each leg. There is a pair of small tin buttons sewn to the inside and outside seams of the inside of the trouser cuff. The trouser legs had been shortened by four inches at the cuff and taken in at the waist by 4 inches. On the left back waistband there is dark blue hand stitching which appears to have at attached a label which is now missing. In a pocket is a label with a small button attached that says: Light art trousers 1861 Rs, MC-113-B pattern made.
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1860-1872
associated date
1860
ID Number
2007.0069.32
catalog number
2007.0069.32
accession number
2007.0069

New Testament

Physical DescriptionPrint on paper; bound in leather.Specific HistoryNew Testament owned by James H. Stetson, who was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg.General HistoryThe Battle of Gettysburg was a critical turning point in the American Civil War.
Description
Physical Description
Print on paper; bound in leather.
Specific History
New Testament owned by James H. Stetson, who was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg.
General History
The Battle of Gettysburg was a critical turning point in the American Civil War. During the first three days of July 1863, over 172,000 men and 634 cannons were positioned in an area encompassing 25 square miles. An estimated 569 tons of ammunition were expended and, when the battle had ended, the losses toped 51,000 in dead and wounded soldiers on both sides. While the Confederate army retreated after Gettysburg, the war would drag on another two years. It would be the most costly battle ever fought on U.S. soil. The battle was commemorated by Abraham Lincoln’s legendary address. Lincoln stated: “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it as a final resting place for those who died here that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have hallowed it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” The world has remembered both the battle and Lincoln’s eloquent words.
Date made
1852
user
Stetson, James H.
publisher
American Bible Society
ID Number
AF.77318M
catalog number
77318M
accession number
307583

Confederate Woman’s Cloak

This cloak was made from captured Confederate Army gray cloth and was worn by a woman. The donor indicates that this cloak was made at the first Freedmen's School in Richmond, Virginia.
Description
This cloak was made from captured Confederate Army gray cloth and was worn by a woman. The donor indicates that this cloak was made at the first Freedmen's School in Richmond, Virginia. After the Civil War, the Freedmen's Bureau aided the establishment of schools to educate emancipated African-Americans.
The cloak is gray wool with three large brass eagle buttons and a 15" long hood. The circumference of the bottom edge of the cloak measures 184 inches. The inside of the cloak is fully lined with red wool.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1865-1870
ID Number
AF.35009
catalog number
35009
accession number
87112

Confederate Waist Belt Plate, "North Carolina"

Many Confederate soldiers had their home state emblems on their waist belt plate. For example, this rectangular plate has the initials for North Carolina.Currently not on view
Description
Many Confederate soldiers had their home state emblems on their waist belt plate. For example, this rectangular plate has the initials for North Carolina.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AF.60844M
catalog number
60844M
collector/donor number
SK600
accession number
223708

Infantry Private Frock Coat and Hardee Hat

Physical DescriptionDark blue wool coat with gold-colored buttons. Black wool hat with ostrich plume and blue cord ribbon.
Description
Physical Description
Dark blue wool coat with gold-colored buttons. Black wool hat with ostrich plume and blue cord ribbon. Brass Jager horn and "A" insignia.
Specific History
This is the type of coat and hat worn by a Union private.
General History
In 1855 Secretary of War Jefferson Davis was instrumental in the creation of two regiments of cavalry. It was recommended that the cavalry have a distinctive hat; it is sometimes called the Jeff Davis hat. It also was referred to as the Hardee hat, after William Joseph Hardee, an officer of the 2nd Cavalry. In 1858 the hat was approved for the entire army. The hat was made of black felt and had various insignia, which were embroidered for officers and brass for enlisted men. It was looped up by an eagle on one side and decorated with ostrich feathers on the other. The side on which the hat was looped up was changed several times during the period the hat was in use. From 1858–1861 the hat looped on the left for artillery and infantry officers. On the front of the hat was the insignia of the branch of service. The Jager horn represented the infantry. In some cases the hat bore the regimental number and company letter. Hat cords were in the branch color for enlisted men, in mixed black and silver for company or field officers, and in gold for general officers.
Associated Date
1857 - 1872
ID Number
AF.22817 [dup5]
catalog number
22817
accession number
64127

Confederate Shoes

Physical DescriptionBrown leather boots with buckle.General HistoryNext to the food shortage, the shortage of shoes was one of the most pressing problems for the Confederate Army. The Rebel army was a walking army. Many times they were without shoes but still marched into battle.
Description
Physical Description
Brown leather boots with buckle.
General History
Next to the food shortage, the shortage of shoes was one of the most pressing problems for the Confederate Army. The Rebel army was a walking army. Many times they were without shoes but still marched into battle.
associated date
1861 - 1865
ID Number
1980.0399.1600
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.1600

Musician's Uniform Frock Coat and Cap

Physical DescriptionCoat of dark blue with gold-colored buttons. Sky-blue trim indicating an infantry musician. Blue wool cap with black brim. Musician's insignia on crown.General HistoryMost army musicians used their talent to provide signals in battle or cadence on marches.
Description
Physical Description
Coat of dark blue with gold-colored buttons. Sky-blue trim indicating an infantry musician. Blue wool cap with black brim. Musician's insignia on crown.
General History
Most army musicians used their talent to provide signals in battle or cadence on marches. However, music went further than just imparting order. It provided vigor to weary souls or comfort to the distraught.
General Philip H. Sheridan loved music and took a personal interest in bands. Performing under fire was commonplace for bands under his command. They performed at the front during battle playing the liveliest airs in their repertory. At Dinwiddie Court House, Sheridan massed all his musicians on the firing line with the order to “play the gayest tunes in their books. . . Play them loud and keep on playing them, and never mind if a bullet goes through a trombone, or even a trombonist, now and then.”
ID Number
AF.22818 [dup1]
catalog number
22818
accession number
64127

Painted Canteen

Physical DescriptionRound metal painted with camp scene.Specific HistoryThis canteen was said to have been used at Gettysburg.General HistoryThe scene painted on this canteen is a snapshot of camp life, preserved as a memento of the war like a letter home or a diary entry.
Description
Physical Description
Round metal painted with camp scene.
Specific History
This canteen was said to have been used at Gettysburg.
General History
The scene painted on this canteen is a snapshot of camp life, preserved as a memento of the war like a letter home or a diary entry. At right, a soldier appears to be on guard duty beside a tent over which flies an American flag. To the left, another soldier sits on a log before a fire. The scene evokes the rituals and chores of camp life: pitching tents, standing guard, gathering firewood, and preparing food. Soldiers accustomed to the orderliness of camp life as depicted here faced a stark contrast when they entered battle at Gettysburg and other chaotic killing grounds. Memories of camp and its monotonous routine could be soothing to men who endured grueling campaigns, which may explain why this unknown soldier-artist chose to depict that theme on an object that meant much to him.
ID Number
1996.0340.01
accession number
1996.0340
catalog number
1996.0340.01

Army of the Cumberland Headquarters Flag

This headquarters flag was used by the Army of the Cumberland. This army was a main Union force in the Western Theater of the Civil War.
Description
This headquarters flag was used by the Army of the Cumberland. This army was a main Union force in the Western Theater of the Civil War. William Rosecrans commanded the Army of the Cumberland upon its organization in October 1862; its predecessor, the Army of Ohio, was formed in 1861. However after Rosecrans’s defeat at Chickamauga, George Thomas was appointed commander of the Army of the Cumberland because of his gallant actions and leadership in the battle, which earned him the name the “Rock of Chickamauga.” The Army of the Cumberland saw action in battles at Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and throughout the Atlanta Campaign.
associated date
1861-1865
associated person
Thomas, George Henry
ID Number
AF.25309
catalog number
25309
accession number
64127

Army Sack Coat, Model 1858

This model 1858 sack coat would have been worn by an enlisted man in the U.S. Army. Dark blue wool machine-sewn collared blouse. Center front has four general service brass eagle buttons down the right side. Cuffs are plain. Body lined with coarse green herringbone wool.
Description
This model 1858 sack coat would have been worn by an enlisted man in the U.S. Army. Dark blue wool machine-sewn collared blouse. Center front has four general service brass eagle buttons down the right side. Cuffs are plain. Body lined with coarse green herringbone wool. There is a breast pocket in the lining on the left side created by sewing the outer and lining fabric together. The sleeves are lined with cream-colored cotton. Numerous mended holes. Wear from use is evident on the upper left breast. Left sleeve has illegible stamp. The right sleeve has 3 stamps, which read: "J.J. MARTIN, FEBY 4 65"; "3" and "Jos Jones, US Inspector, NY".
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1865
used date
1858-1872
ID Number
AF.22828 [dup2]
catalog number
22828
accession number
64127

Shako

Charleston Light Infantry cap, 1860.Among the conspicuous items worn by militiamen when the conflict began were shakos-- tall hats that could make soldiers prominent targets in battle.
Description
Charleston Light Infantry cap, 1860.
Among the conspicuous items worn by militiamen when the conflict began were shakos-- tall hats that could make soldiers prominent targets in battle. The prevailing tactics, however, called for opposing ranks to open fire on each other at close range, in which case even soldiers wearing inconspicuous clothing were plainly visible to their opponents. A greater danger was the deadly confusion that resulted when troops in motley dress were unable to tell friends from foes.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1860-1890
ID Number
AF.61065M
catalog number
61065M
accession number
223708

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