Infantry Uniforms 1874
Explore the evolution of U.S. Infantry uniforms from 1874, highlighting style, function, and historical significance.
The Army Makes Improvements…
With the 1872 lineup of uniforms and equipment, the army made several advancements to enhance the appearance and quality of life of the American soldier. The Quartermaster Department asked the soldiers for their opinions once these models were deployed into the field. What the soldiers decided to utilize in the field spoke loudly, and they had a lot to say. A fresh attempt was sent to the soldiers in 1874.
The soldiers despised the Pleated Blouse Coat, thus they were eliminated in the redesigned M1874 Sack Coat, which went back to a more conventional cut. The collar and cuffs were adorned with branch of service piping, which was blue for infantry in this instance.
Similar to the 1872 gear, the field gear called the Palmer brace yoke had a belt and buckle with ears at each corner where the suspenders hooked in. The new M1874 McKeever boxes or the M1872 cartridge "Hanger" boxes could be used. In addition, the Palmer set came with a haversack and a clothing bag in instead of a valise.
Our soldier has adopted a rather laid-back style for his "campaign" attire (SEE BELOW). The army faced several difficulties in the west as the 1870s went on. During these turbulent years, the quartermaster department added several goods.
The 1876 cartridge belt, seen around the soldier's waist, was a formal requirement that took the place of the thimble provided by the soldier or the privately created or purchased prairie belts. The 1876 belt was composed of varnished cartridge loops and folded canvas over a leather belt. Another attempt to provide the soldier with an entrenching tool, the 1873 Hagner entrenching tool, is slung from the soldier's belt.
The nation, the army, and even the individual soldier underwent transformation in the 1870s. It is crucial to keep in mind that all of the gear and outfits covered up to this point were distributed and worn until the supply ran out.
Over the next ten years, clothing and equipment changes would continue. What the soldier wore and carried into the next century would be determined by these changes.
NOTE: Special thanks to K.C. Kirkman for allowing us the use of these photographs.
Soldiers on Campaign 1876
Above you see what the average soldier would have appeared like while on campaign, the kepis, or bayonets of garrison life were disguarded for conventional broad brimmed hats, and looped belts to carry ammunition.
The extremes of the Northern Plains or the Southwest led soldiers to be innovative while on campaign. Much of what you see is more of a relaxed approach, but still being able to access the necessities of ammo, food, water, etc.