Zouave Uniforms  "The French Connection"

A reporter describing a Union training camp at the beginning of the war compared the sight to "an Eastern bazaar, in which every variety of costume under heaven is to be found." With the government unable to immediately to supply the standard blue army-issue clothing, the soldiers retained their motley appearance for months; some regiments retained their adopted uniforms throughout the war.

The most popular of the nonstandard apparel was the brightly colored Zouave garb modeled after the uniforms worn by the North African army of Emperor Napoleon III of France. The Algerian soldiers in these French infantry units were known not only for their flashy uniforms and quick-spirited drill, but also for their military excellence and bravery. The exotic attire became popular and was adopted by many militia units throughout the Untied States. One unit, Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth's United States Zouave Cadets, toured the country en the eve of the war, entertaining audiences with their acrobatic drill.

Zouave uniforms came in several variations, but mostly included a brightly colored short jacket that did not close at the front, baggy red trousers bloused at the ankle, white gaiters, and a tasseled brilliant red fez. Sashes and trim and sometimes turbans of contrasting bright colors completed the uniforms. Soldiers in many Zouave units believed their smart uniforms boosted morale and confidence, helping the units become known as fierce and dependable fighters, conspicuous in hard-fought battles. Other Zouave units found their garb made them too conspicuous on the battlefield and later adopted the standard-issue uniform in an effort to avoid enemy fire.

The North contained the most Zouave regiments, primarily from the eastern states. The few Confederate Zouave regiments were mostly from Louisiana and were known as hard fighters both on and off the battlefield.

Fascinating Fact:  The word Zouave (pronounced Zu as in look; ov as in suave with the stress on the ov) is from an Algerian tribe named Berber Zwawa.


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