79th New York Highlanders Reg.

[Kilted Rogue]

I know that there are a few ppl here that are in to living history and collecting arms and uniforms.

My Father is a re-enactor and does a great program called the history of the soldier. He wants to add the Scottish contribution to the American Civil War. Knowing my love of Kilts and most things Scottish he has asked me to join him as a representitive of the 79th.

Now i have found out that the Kilt worn at that time was the Cameron of Erracht. What i was looking for was what else is needed to do the kit proper and where can one get the kilt so it looks the right period.

thanks for the info!

[macwilkin]

I know that there are a few ppl here that are in to living history and collecting arms and uniforms.

My Father is a re-enactor and does a great program called the history of the soldier. He wants to add the Scottish contribution to the American Civil War. Knowing my love of Kilts and most things Scottish he has asked me to join him as a representitive of the 79th.

Now i have found out that the Kilt worn at that time was the Cameron of Erracht. What i was looking for was what else is needed to do the kit proper and where can one get the kilt so it looks the right period.

thanks for the info!

For a good source of information on the 79th, I would recommend you visit:

http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic...9thInfMain.htm

In terms of uniform, keep in mind that there is much debate in terms of when and where the kilt was worn, as well as the various pieces of NY State Militia uniform and kit. There used to be a member here who reproduced 79th uniform kit, but she hasn't signed on in a while. She may be back after seeing your post.

I would also strongly suggest the Company of Military Historians:

http://military-historians.org/

Of course, many Scottish immigrants served in both the Union & Confederate armies in "non-ethnic units. Open displays of ethnicity were uncommon, save in an "ethnic" regiment, such as the many Irish and German regiments, or the Zouaves, inspired by the French army.

Regards,

Todd

[auld argonian]

Ran into somebody a while back who saw the kilt and asked me to enlist:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_Il...giment_(3_Year)

...I have way too many irons in the fire (pies in the oven? pigs in the blanket?)
right now so I'm putting it off.

They have informed me that they only wear the kilt at social functions, though, not while on the field.

Best

AA

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

That's a great picture of MacArthur-- his bonnet looks like a present day Balmoral.

[kiltimabar]

Matt Newsome, prominent member of this forum, has made a particular study of an original kilt worn by the original 79th NY, and he made a copy for me, but in the Federal Memorial tartan instead of the Cameron of Erracht that was the 79th's official tartan.

There are several units of the 79th across the country, and I think you could find them with Google searches. This one is by the American Civil War Assn (Northern Califonia) organization that I belong to, and has some helpful history and practical information:

http://www.geocities.com/highlanders_79th/

[Drillagent]

Found this website while I was looking for the same thing. If you scroll to the bottom, there's a picture of the complete uniform. I've been looking for the Glengarry, but can't find that particular pattern. If you find it somewhere, please let us know.

http://www.celticpiper.net/79th.htm

[Kilted Rogue]

As always the folks here never let me down!!!

after i started this thread i went over to WPG and they have the the Kilt. I have also see 4 different possible uniforms, trews, kilt and 2 other pants outfits. what i will be doing will be a display of the history of the different soldiers during the Civil war. i will be the 79th my dad be the Zouaves and so on . its about a 1 1.5 hr presentation, they do it every year, the next one is Nov 8th. @ Ft Clinch in Fernandina Bch Fl If your in the area give it a look see

the one i am preparing for will be next year.

thanks for the links i will delve in to them and see what can find.

[macneighill]

There is one guy I know that portrays a member of the 79th. However, I haven't been in contact with him in quite some time. However, here are a few sources for your viewing, in addition to the great info above.

These are some reenacting groups out there that, portray the 79th NY. There should be a gallery on their website, along with historical info that might be of help:
Company A, 79th NY Volunteers
79th NY Cameron Highlanders, Company B
79th New York Cameron Highlanders
Cameron Highlanders of the Northwest

Here are some sources of general info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_New_York
http://www.nycaledonian.org/79th.php
http://militaryhistory.suite101.com/...von_hindenburg

The guys in my unit have been kidding me about getting a period correct kilt and, wear it out to some of our events. But, its not historically accurate for my unit, the 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Even though, the individual I portray, Assistant Surgeon William A. Collins, is of Celtic descent (my sources say, Ireland), there are no records of him wearing a kilt.

Just be careful of who you buy from. There are those that try to make a buck, and sell crappy stuff. Then, there are the better vendors that, make period correct uniforms and accessories. Just do the research first, then have fun with building your "kit" (period impression).

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The Cameron of Erracht kilt sold at WPG is not a replica of the 79th NY Cameron kilt. It is a more modern military kilt. A lot of 79th reenactors wear the modern kilts, but this is technically incorrect.

The kilts worn by the 79th NY Cameron Highlanders were 6 yards long, box pleated, and machine stitched throughout. The pleating was neither to stripe nor to sett -- it appears that the tailors attempted to pleat to the sett somewhat but it's not correct. The aprons are fringed, but the fringe doesn't line up to the sett of the tartan. There is a single strap & buckle on the outside of the right hip and a single strap and buckle on the inside of the left hip (how I make my kilts). All of these things are different from modern Cameron military kilts.

Remember, these kilts were made from Scottish cloth, but they were made by NY dress makers, not Scottish kilt makers, who were doing their best job at recreating a Scottish kilt with no training in doing such.

[O'Callaghan]

The guys in my unit have been kidding me about getting a period correct kilt and, wear it out to some of our events. But, its not historically accurate for my unit, the 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Even though, the individual I portray, Assistant Surgeon William A. Collins, is of Celtic descent (my sources say, Ireland), there are no records of him wearing a kilt.

AFAIK, kilts were probably not even worn in Ireland until after the US Civil War. Collins is a common Irish name, though.