Uniforms

When the war began, the uniforms adopted by Louisiana volunteer companies were almost as varied as the nicknames. Initially, the lack of regulations meant companies could wear almost any style or color they wished. Most chose some variation of grey. However, the Zouave uniform, adopted from the French army, was also popular.

The Tiger Rifles of Major Roberdeau Wheat's 1st Special Infantry Battalion was the most famous Louisiana company to wear this outfit. These men wore red shirts under short brown jackets. Their baggy trousers of blue and white striped bed ticking material, were tucked into white leggings. Bright red skull caps with long tassels adorned their heads. Some caps bore tiger decorations or printed mottoes. The slogans included "Lincoln's Life or a Tiger's Death," "Tiger on the Leap," and "Tiger in Search of Abe."

The six original companies of the 1st Louisiana Zouave Battalion wore a variation of this colorful outfit including baggy red pants with a blue jacket. Their headgear consisted of a red cap with a long tail. Many decorated this tail with ribbons.

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