Useful tips for the lady re-enactor. If you are portraying a 'working woman', e.g. a launderess, cook, storekeeper, or farm worker, keep your hooped petticoats for the evenings or for visiting, rural women would wear a simple workdress with one or two starched petticoats underneath and an apron to protect the outerwear. The sleeves would often be rolled up to do the chores in the heat of the day. A slat bonnet for protecting the hair and neck from the sun was commonly worn and is shown in books and old photographs of the period, see also our Ladies Clothing page. Civil War women always wore their hair long, unless they had it short due to illness, with a centre parting (no fringe) and a simple confined bun (or hairpiece) at the nape of the neck with a fine hairnet to keep it in place. Fancy hair accessories would not have been worn outdoors - modern hairstyles and 'scrunchies' are a definite no-no if you want the correct look of the period - no make-up either! Most women wore a plain narrow collar and cuffs tacked on to their dress so they could be removed for laundering rather than washing the whole dress. Only younger women wore outfits showing expanses of neck and shoulders, except when going to a ball or dance. Most women did not possess a ballgown, which were more attributed to the upper classes, however an evening or tea gown would be more appropriate. The secret is: If in doubt, keep it simple - there are many excellent websites offering good advice on what to wear.

Drawings courtesy of Pauline Thomas Fashion-Era

The role of women in battle. During the Civil War, a few women were hired to accompany troops to the battlefield, acting as a combination of drum major (for parades), concession girl and nurse. On camp they would cook, wash and sew for the men. Mostly they were daughters or wives of officers. A number of these women were so highly esteemed by the troops that their names have become part of Civil War legend. These women were known as vivandieres. They carried a small wooden barrel containing water or spirits and were often armed for their own protection.

For more interesting facts on the important role women played during the Civil War as vivandieres, see Civil War Vivandieres and Daughters of the Regiment

Marie Tepe, a vivandiere who accompanied the 114th Pa. Collis' Zouaves

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