Western Federal Zouave Units

[James A. Page]

Hello!

I bet this thread'll spark some debate, but I'll ask anyway. Are any of you aware of an active and serious, western federal, psuedo-zouave unit? I'm not looking for a full on, red trousers and sash-type unit that we typically envision when you think "zouave" (ala Duryea's 5th NY), but more modestly attired western federal units that typically wore modifications of the zouave theme combined with regulation uniform items. It seems that these units were popular throughout the war and might offer a federal reenactor/living historian an opportunity to do something a little different.

James A. Page

[SteelCityZouave]

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units

Hello Pard,

I don't know much of living history zouave groups in the West, but my friend's site may be of help to help you. It's all about zouaves and has many zouave reenactor links (www.zouavedatabase.org). You can look under the "Zouave Links" and that could help. I do know that the 11th Indiana Zouaves are a great match to the description you've made of what you're looking for. I hope that helps! :)

[Jack Booda]

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units

For the Zouave minded individual, I suggest the link shown below. I quickly counted 6 or 7 western units, ranging from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri.

http://www.geocities.com/zouavedatabase/zlinks.html

BTW, check out the 8th MO, they are BRIGHT!

[markj]

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units

Hi,

You might want to check out Captain Jim Ruley's Company A, 54th Ohio.

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Bunker/6200/

I know there have been attempts to recreate the 11th Indiana here in the Hoosier State but apparently with not too much success. There is a 34th Indiana group based out of Hartford City IN but they're more of a mainstream unit. You can contact them through this site:

http://www.angelfire.com/in3/34IN/

Several Indiana units adopted mock-Zouave uniforms but this practice largely seems to have occurred after the regiments veteranized in late '63/early '64. You can see various images of these troops at:

http://www.civilwarindiana.com/soldiers/

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Clark Badgett]

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units

Speaking of Zouaves. Years ago Nick ************ sent me a drawing of a uniform that he once saw that was supposed to have been attributed to the 5th Kentucky, "The Louisville Legion". Wish I still had that drawing. Other than that one instance, I've seen nothing else to suggest Zouave attire to any Kentucky units. Wouldn't it be funny if the Mudsills have been wearing the Wrong uniform all along. ;)

[Michael W. Beck]

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units - James
I am a member of Co. D. 11th Indiana Zouaves. We have a new website up and running if you are interested in going to it. Go to your search engine and type in " 11th Indiana Zouaves". That should get you to our website.
We are based out of the Indianapolis/Columbus/NorthVernon area of Indiana. If you are interested in our unit, please feel free to contact myself via e-mail, or use the contact e-mail address on our website for Capt. Bruce Kolb.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sgt./Maj. Mike Beck

[Alamo Guard]

Re: Western Federal Zouave Units

On the other side of the coin, The Red River Battalion (6th and 9th Texas Infantry) when they galvanize are the 165th NY. For those of you have not seen us in our red baggy pants we shall be at Mansfield this spring, where I expect we shall be destroyed as we were 140 years ago.