The Old Museum at Manassas

Last update Jul 13, 2005

Inspired by the finery of elite North African troops in the French Army, a great variety of Zouave uniforms appeared on both sides in 1861. Corporal Francis Brownell of the 11th New York Fire Zouaves wore this uniform in the early months of the War. The Fire Zouaves were so named because many of their members were from volunteer fire departments. The Fire Zouaves saw heavy fighting on Henry Hill at First Manassas. By then, however, they had adopted a new uniform of blue to wear with the red fireman shirt. For more information on the history of the Zouaves visit the web site of the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry. A volunteer reenactment group dedicated to the memory of the original Duryee's Zouaves.