Billy Yank
Billy Yank came from an industrialized North that was decidedly more diverse than the South. The northern states, with a large industrial base, skilled labor, and strong navy, were able to furnish their soldiers with good equipment and logistical support. |
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General service uniforms issued by the U.S.
Army had brass buttons and breast plates embossed with a spread eagle. The letters
"US" were also embossed on the belt buckles and cartridge box plates. Note: The eagle embossed breast plates were worn on the cartridge box strap but were often discarded or lost. |
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| Prior to the 1854 pattern, the shield on the button would display the letter "I" for Infantry, "C" for Cavalry, "A" for Artillery "R" for Riflemen and "D" for Dragoons. |
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Northern state militia uniforms
sometimes had the state seal embossed on the buttons, belt buckle, breast plate and
cartridge box plate. However, most state issued uniforms would only have the state seal on the buttons. The cartridge boxes and other accoutrements were U.S. Army issue with the letters "US" embossed on the plates. As the war continued most soldiers were eventually outfitted in standardized U.S. Army uniforms. Note: Some of the waist belt plates and cartridge box plates would also have the initials of the state, such as "SNY" for the state of New York or "OVM" for Ohio Volunteer Militia. |
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| The distinctive crossed cannons and
flaming cannonball were worn by officers of the Ordnance Department. This particular
officer was most likely bringing up dry ammunition for General Steven's artillery and
troops. The only other branch of service in the army that had a distinctive emblem were the Engineers. |
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