Object Details
Description
Both the Confederate and Union armies boasted regiments of fierce Zouave fighters. The origin of the Zouave military tradition lies in North Africa with the Berbers. During the French colonization of Algeria in the 1830s, French forces came in contact with Berber fighters who sported stunning uniforms and fighting prowess. French soldiers adapted the Zouave-styled uniform and with their victories in the Crimean Wars in the mid-1850s, military units in the United States were styling themselves as Zouave soldiers.
This particular uniform jacekt belonged to the 41st New York Infantry Regiment, also known as the DeKalb Zouaves. This unit drew its members from German immigrant communities in both Philadelphia and New York.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
U.S. War Department
associated date
1861-1865
ID Number
AF.24944.01
accession number
64127
catalog number
24944.01
Object Name
jacket
Other Terms
jacket; Man; Volunteers; Zouave, New York 41; Zouave, Dekalb
Physical Description
blue (overall color)
red (trim color)
Measurements
overall: 28 1/2 in x 19 1/2 in x 3 3/4 in; 72.39 cm x 49.53 cm x 9.525 cm
Related Publication
Kagan, Neil, editor. Smithsonian Civil War: Inside the National Collection
See more items in
Military and Society: Armed Forces History, Military
Civil War
Military
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_398524