The Zouaves were introduced to the United States prior to the start of the American Civil War by Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth, a distinguished member of the local militia and law clerk who had been employed in the office of Abraham Lincoln before he became president in 1860.
Ellsworth acquired a copy of the Zouave training handbook after had been moved by the stories his friend Charles De Villers, a former surgeon who had served with the North African Zouaves, and desired to form his own Zouave battalion based on the local militia of Illinois.
They participated in competitions, shows, and other presentations, quickly becoming associated with elaborate and exciting uniforms and amazing performances. Ellsworthâs US Zouave Cadets became the best drill team in the Midwest under his instruction.
Zouaves became incredibly popular and new drill teams and regiments appeared throughout the country. Members of the Zouave drill teams were also associated with part of the local state militias and soon found themselves as part of the official military structure of the Confederacy or the Union depending on their location.
At the start of the war, they had exotic and unique outfits that attracted a lot of attention, both in the army and outside of it. The colors, style, and training allowed the Zouaves to stand out against the drab colors and uniforms of the Confederacy and the Union, whose gray and blue woolen attire were juxtaposed by the bright and lightweight North African styled Zouave garb.
The 140th New York (Patrick OâRorkeâs regiment) were given their Zouave uniforms during the second half of the Civil War for their bravery in action.
MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER
ROCHESTERMILITARY.COM
