Iowa Historical Society: Civil War Exhibit

[Arch Campbell]

One thing to keep in mind with the 1st Iowa frock is that it was an officer's, and not necessarily indicative of how enlisted men were clothed. The "Lyon Campaign," while incredibly destructive on the shoddy overshirts that most companies' rank and file were wearing (such as Eugene Ware,) did only last 100 days or so (from the 1st Iowa's perspective.) This wouldn't automatically destroy privately purchased garments made of higher quality cloth.

The exhibit is great, I would advise anyone within driving distance of Des Moines to give it a view. Several members of the Nation took a road trip to see it, and I'm going again next month.

I tried to take pictures of the dress hat myself, but none of mine came out. The stitches on the brim are the biggest I have ever seen- I would estimate them at 3/4"!

I would have like to have seen more of the restored Iowa colors on display- but if you're only going to have one, they picked a doozy. It is the national color of the 2nd Iowa, that V.P. Twombley planted on the works at Donelson.

For those of you of a disloyal bent, you will also enjoy the sampling on display of the captured rebel flags that the Iowa State Historical Society possesses. And before you ask- H#ll no, you can't have them back!!

[J. Donaldson]

Arch-

I was under the impression that the only surviving 1st Iowa frocks were issued/used after Wilson's Creek for the return to Iowa and the muster out. Is this incorrect?

[Arch Campbell]

That is correct, James- once again, if we are referring to enlisted men, whose uniforms are issued. The only exception might have been the Governor's Grays, who somehow may have managed to take their grey militia frocks, trousers, and kepis into 1st Iowa service.

We stared at the coat for quite a while, and none of us could remember precisely what the one looked like that was in the old exhibit and whether this was the same one or not. The old exhibit just gave the regiment, not a name or rank- so we always assumed it was one of the end-of-service St. Louis ones issued to the enlisted men. I really don't remember it well enough to tell if this is a different one or if they simply have a more descriptive label now.

[Ambrose Bierce]

The collection in the IHS is remarkable. This is going back a ways, but ten years ago, there was an excellent exhibit on Iowa in the CW and while the details of my visit are a bit fuzzy. If this is the same one, or at least one that has been revised over the years, the items on display were very cool. Worth stopping in for a visit if in the area at any rate.

The Civil War Diary of Cyrus F. Boyd, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry is a very good book edited by the Society. Having two relatives who served in the 10th Iowa (one who is buried in Pella) I identify with the history on a personal level. Maybe it is time to go back for another look?

Cool photos.

Ivan F. Ingraham
Formerly of the SGLHA

Ivan F. Ingraham