Uniform Requirements for
the Fort Norfolk Garrison

Militia Uniform Requirements

Entry level is that of a Militiaman in the 2nd Virginia Regiment of Militia.
The new member will be required to obtain / assemble a basic militia
kit, which consist of the following:

(Based on the regulations set forth by Governor Barber in January
1812 for Virginia Militia forces)

  • Hunting shirt: Blue in color with red trim at the single cape, cuffs
    and hem. Wrap-a-round style, held closed with the belt or 4
    buttons, reaching to mid thigh in length. Made of heavy hemp or
    linen canvas.

  • Trousers: Blue in color with red seams on the outside seam of
    the legs. Made of hemp or linen canvas.

  • Footwear: Black period correct late 18th or early 19th century
    reproduction shoes with black half-gaiters. To be laced.

  • Headgear: Black round hat (today known as a short top hat)
    cocked up on the left side with a black fan cockade. A black over
    red plume also set on the left side of the round hat.

  • Accoutrements: 1808 pattern cartridge box and sling, black in
    color for both. There is little evidence that Virginia Militia forces
    used a bayonet baldric. For the sake of safety and appearance we
    have chosen to wear baldrics, also black in color with a brass
    oval plate.

  • A Prussian blue wooden "barrel" type canteen is also a
    requirement.

  • Haversacks / Knapsacks: Haversacks were generally of the same
    pattern as those of the US Regular forces being linen or canvas
    with a three button flap. Knapsacks to be of the Lherbette
    pattern, the same as was commonly used by the U.S. regular
    forces.

  • Musket: U.S. model 1795 or model 1808, with appropriate bayonet.
    The 1764 Charlevile model is also acceptable as the U.S. models
    were based on this French musket. The British short land or india
    pattern muskets may also be used but members should strive to
    purchase the recommended models above.

Note: The specified accouterments and muskets are required as they
will transfer over to the 20th U.S. regular infantry impression, making
the trasition much easier.

20th U.S. Infantry Uniform Requirements

Our 20th U.S. impression is intended to be much more "progressive" in
nature in that we require an elevated level of authenticity in uniforming
and equipment. Because of this, unit members are not required to
advance to this level to participate in the Fort Norfolk Garrison, it is
strictly voluntary, though encouraged.

Based on current research on the 20th U.S. Infantry Regiments issues
we have chosen the regulation "summer" round jacket as our primary
uniform (see image to right).
Our list of required uniform and equipment items is as follows:

  • Early 19th century work shirt, made of linen with metal, shell, or wood
    four hole buttons; one on each cuff, and two on the collar.

  • Trousers: Early 19th century pattern, high waisted with the waist band at
    the waist. Material to be of a hemp twill Russia sheeting. Pewter "US"
    buttons at fly and waist band (5 total).

  • Vest: White wool vest. Single breasted with 9 button closure.

  • Jacket: Short round jacket of hemp twill Russia sheeting. Standing collar
    with 9 button closure, single breasted, closed with 9 "US" pewter buttons.

  • Shoes: Early 19th century low quarter shoes with two or three lace holes.
    No heel plates but additional hob nails can be installed in the heel for
    extra heel life. "Jefferson" boot preffered.

  • Hat: Felt "Military Cap" (sometimes reffered to as a Shacko) on the 1812
    pattern, with cords and white plume.

  • Half-gaitors: One pair, 9 button, black. Made of hemp twill with linen strap
    for under the arch.

  • Haversack: Early period haversack made of heavy linen or hemp canvas.
    Plain pewter buttons.

  • Neck Stock: Black leather stock, closed at the back with brass clasp.

  • Canteen: Barrel style with metal hoops, leather sling retainers, a one inch
    black leather sling, no buckle. To rest on the left waist when worn. To be
    painted light (prussian) blue with NO "US" markings.

  • Lehrbette Knapsack: Made of heavy hemp of linen canvas. Painted
    "Prussian" blue with red "US" inside White Oval.

  • Personal eating Utensils: One bowl of tin or wood, one cup, a
    horn/wood/pewter spoon, and a knife and fork of appropriate early 19th
    century design.

  • Blanket: One white blanket either plain white, white with blue stripes at
    the ends, or white with roses embroidered on the corners.

  • Musket: The proper musket would be of the US model 1795 or model
    1808. The 1764 Charleville model is also acceptable. British short land
    muskets are also acceptable for use, but owner is encouraged to
    upgrade to the appropriate replica musket when able.

  • Bayonet and scabbard: Appropriate bayonet and scabbard for the
    applicable musket being used.

  • Cartridge Box: Black cartridge box of the 1808 moder or similar, no inner
    flap. Sling should also be of black leather, at least 2 1/4" wide.

Additional Items

After assembling a complete kit as described above, each member is required,
within a two year period, to also acquire a Drab wool 1812 "transitional" coat,
the design of which is seen in the images to the right. This coat has black
piping only on the collar, white turnbacks, and green collar and cuffs.

Optional Items

Additionally, members have the option of also obtaining the following items:

  • White wool "overall" style trousers.

  • Fatigue Frock: Made of hemp twill "Russian" sheeting, with 2 "US"
    buttons.


The above list is just an over view of the required uniform items.
Before making any purchases, see a unit officer for advice, as well as a
copy of the "Soldier's Manual", which list all acceptable materials and
items needed to assemble your kit.

Note: Artwork of Soldier in Summer uniform and in blue transitional coat taken from "The
United States Army 1812-1815, 2000 Osprey Publishing, Ltd., James L. Kochan and David
Rickman.