Living History Uniform Guidelines

Fort Larned National Historic Site (NHS) hosts several living history events throughout the year. Here, reenactors and living historians from all over the country are welcome to attend and help bring this post to life. Whenever a look from history is replicated, it is important to know what year, what unit, and what environment is being represented. At Fort Larned, the typical year of interpretation is 1868. In 1868, much of the Civil War uniforms and gear were still used. For reenacting and living historian volunteers looking to take part in events at Fort Larned NHS, these uniform guidelines are expected to be followed to ensure historic accuracy and authenticity. Volunteers at Fort Larned NHS are welcome to borrow living history items from the Fort, but said items cannot leave the premises of Fort Larned NHS. If there are any modifications to the uniform guidelines or if any item needs to be borrowed, it is required to contact park personnel first.

 

Infantry Uniform Guidelines️

As a whole at Fort Larned, those portraying Infantry typically portray Company C, 3rd US Infantry. While portraying garrison duty, all uniforms should be kept clean, leather blackened, and brass shined.

Fatigue uniform:

• Four-button sack coat

• Sky blue trousers

• Forage cap with complete brass (Infantry insignia, regimental number, and company letter)

• Blackened brogans

Dress uniform:

• Frock coat with shoulder scales

• Sky blue trousers

• Dressed Hardee hat (insignia, number, letter, feather, chord, and brass eagle) pinned up on the left side

• Blackened brogans

• White gloves

• Canteen (optional, but if on guard duty, it comes in handy)

Accoutrements (used for drill and dress purposes):

• Cartridge box with sling

• Waist belt with brass keeper

• Cap pouch (can be omitted of portraying 1867 and on with the M1866 Springfield)

• Bayonet and 7 rivet scabbard (preferred)

• Bayonet and 2 rivet scabbard

Rifle:

• 1861, 1863, or 1864 Springfield

• 1866 Springfield

• 1853 Enfield (as a last resort)

For cold conditions:

• Foot issue Greatcoat

Mess gear:

• Tin cup

 

Infantry Fatigue Uniform

Ben Long, NPS

 

Infantry Dress Uniform

Ben Long, NPS

 

Cavalry Uniform Guidelines

Two units of Cavalry are portrayed at Fort Larned. The first Cavalry unit is Company A, 10th US Cavalry, Buffalo Soldiers. This unit was stationed at Fort Larned from 1867-1869 and were the only Cavalry unit to use the Cavalry Barracks at Fort Larned. The other unit portrayed is the 7th US Cavalry. While none of the 7th US Cavalry was ever officially garrisoned at Fort Larned, they were in the area around 1868. While portraying garrison duty, all uniforms should be clean, leather blackened, and brass shined.

Fatigue:

• Cavalry Mounted Service Jacket (MSJ) without shoulder scales or four-button sack coat

• Sky blue mounted trousers

• Forage cap with complete brass (Cavalry insignia, regimental number, and company letter)

• Blackened boots or brogans

Dress:

• MSJ with shoulder scales

• Sky blue mounted trousers

• Dressed Hardee hat (insignia, number, letter, feather, chord, and brass eagle) pinned up on the right side

• Blackened boots or brogans

• White gloves

• Canteen (optional, but if on guard duty, it comes in handy)

Accoutrements:

• Sword belt complete with carbine and pistol cartridge boxes

• Carbine sling

• Cap pouch (optional)

Weapons:

• Spencer Carbine (preferred)

• Sharps Carbine (less ideal)

• 1860 Colt Army (preferred)

• 1858 Remington (less ideal)

• 1860 Light Cavalry Saber

For cold conditions:

• Foot issue Greatcoat

• Mounted issue Greatcoat

Mess gear:

• Tin cup

 

Cavalry Fatigue Uniform

Courtesy Photos

 

Cavalry Dress Uniform

Courtesy Photos

 

Artillery Uniform Guidelines

Only two Artillery units were ever permanently stationed at Fort Larned: 9th Wisconsin Independent Battery, Left Section (1862-1865) and McLain’s Independent Battery from Colorado (1864-?). Since the 9th Wisconsin spent the most time at Fort Larned, they are the unit of choice. While portraying garrison duty, all uniforms should be kept clean, leather blackened, and brass shined. Here is what the average uniform looks like to properly portray this unit at Fort Larned in 1868:

Fatigue:

• Artillery Mounted Service Jacket (MSJ) without shoulder scales or four-button sack coat

• Sky blue mounted trousers or foot trousers

• Forage cap with complete brass (Artillery insignia and battery number)

• Blackened boots or brogans

Dress:

• MSJ with shoulder scales

• Sky blue mounted trousers or foot trousers

• Dressed Hardee hat (insignia, number, feather, chord, and brass eagle) pinned up on the right side

• Blackened boots or brogans

• White gloves

• Canteen (optional, but if on guard duty, it comes in handy)

Accoutrements:

• Sword belt

Weapons:

• 1840 Light Artillery Saber (preferred)

• 1860 Light Cavalry Saber

• 1860 Colt Army for Corporals and Sergeants

• 1858 Remington for Corporals and Sergeants

For cold conditions:

• Foot issue Greatcoat

• Mounted issue Greatcoat

Mess gear:

• Tin cup

 

Private Sam Haller, 9th Wisconsin Independent Battery