Originally formed in the 1830s, French Zouave units initially consisted of native North African troops. By the time of the Civil War, however, the French Zouaves were non-natives. Their distinctive uniform included a short jacket, baggy trousers, sash, gaiters, and a fez with turban. Their bravery in combat in the Crimea from 1853-56 and in Italy in 1859 thrilled the American public and led to the formation of many Zouave companies in this country before and during the Civil War.

The Union fielded approximately seventy Zouave regiments during the war; the Confederates, about twenty-five.

The unidentified boy in the Zouave uniform is most likely the relative of a soldier in a Zouave regiment.

Carte-de-Visite by Sayre & Chase, Bucyrus, Ohio

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31921