We often see in the pages of the National SAR Magazine and our own Chapter members dressed in an uniform that replicates one worn by Patriot soldiers in the Revolution. There are many companies on the Internet through which uniforms or accessories can be purchased. Hopefully, future stories in the Newsletter with pictures can help members decide what uniform best represents their Patriot.
Often these uniforms appear all the same at first glance, however, it might be that of a Naval Officer, Artillery Officer, Infantry Officer, or perhaps one that represents an Officer on Washington's Staff.
The uniforms actually worn during the Revolutionary War were varied in color, depending upon the State, the Unit, or if the soldier was a member of a Continental Line and often changed depending upon the year of Service.
Early in the War, the uniform worn by individual soldiers actually may have been that worn during the French and Indian War that occurred from 1754-1763.
On March 23, 1779, the Continental Congress, passed an ordinance to regulating the clothing Department, authorized Washington to prescribe the colors and cut of the uniforms of the respective states and regiments.
Washington complied in the General Order of October 2, 1779, which fixed blue as the color for all branches of the service, and for all the state regiments in the Continental Line, with distinctive differences in linings and facings.
LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE STORIES IN THE NEWSLETTER THAT WILL LOOK DEEPER INTO THE UNIFORM DIFFERENCES FOR EACH STATE AND EACH BRANCH.