She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: The Cavalry in the West
A Temporary Exhibit April 12-August 17, 2008

The Dragoons, 1857-60

The Dragoons, 1857-60
General explanatory text for this case The traditional "branch color" for the cavalry was yellow, hence the "yellow ribbon" was emblematic of a loved one serving in the Cavalry, as in the title of the son (and later movie) adopted for the title of this exhibit. However, the uniforms in this case have the orange trimmings of the Dragoon regiments. We can see the influence of the parade ground finery with the much disliked "shako" helmet and fancy brass trim on the Grimsley saddle. The weapons show the mix of the traditional "Old Wristbreaker" Cavalry sabre, and a muzzle loading carbine. Also, an oversize pistol with detachable stock that was used briefly before the superiority of revolvers rendered them obsolete. Context for the period The cavalry of the 1850s included traditional "Cavalry" who were mounted on horses for rapid maneuver and to engage the enemy while mounted, primarily using the sabre as its main weapon, although use of pistols was becoming more important. However, they also included "Dragoons" who were mounted on horseback for rapid maneuver, but were expected to fight dismounted, depending more on firepower from carbines. By the outbreak of the Civil War, weapons developments had made use of the carbine an important part of cavalry tactics as well and the "Dragoons" were converted to cavalry regiments. Utah's exposure to the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoons began in 1857 as Colonel Albert S. Johnson's army marked toward the Great Salt Lake to quell unrest amongst the Mormon settlers who flouted the attempted authority of federal officials. After a winter at [what is now] Fort Bridger, Wyoming, Johnson's Army proceeded to establish Camp Floyd about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. This became the largest concentration of U.S. Army troops anywhere in the entire country. On the eve of the Civil War, it was recognized that the Army would be needed back east to suppress a possible rebellion by the southern states, so Camp Floyd was abandoned, and the cavalry left Utah. In 1862, the U.S. Army would again enter Utah, with California Volunteer Infantry troops under Colonel Patrick Connor, and establish Camp (later Fort) Douglas to safeguard the telegraph lines and the Pony Express which linked California with the rest of the United States.
Recommended References for further study: xxxxxxxxxxxx (available from Ft. Douglas Gift Shop- order here) xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx

UNIFORMS

Enlisted Forage Cap

Pattern 1839

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

(click here for detailed photos)

This is a very rare example of the popular cap worn by soldiers on post and in the field from 1839 until some time after the uniform changes of 1851. The cap included a 4 inch wide neck cape, tied up when not in use.

Enlisted Cap, 2^nd Dragoons

Pattern 1851

Reproduction

The new 1851 cap, or “tar bucket” as they were known to the men, proved to be very uncomfortable for mounted troops. In 1854, the orange band at the base of the cap was replaced by a welt of orange cord. The cap was finally dispensed with among dragoons in 1857.

Enlisted Shell Jacket

Pattern 1854

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

(click here for detailed photos)

The long frock coat prescribed for all enlisted soldiers in 1851 proved cumbersome for mounted troops. In 1854, these men were authorized to wear the shorter “shell” jacket. The coat was trimmed with orange for dragoons and yellow for cavalry.

HORSE EQUIPMENT

Grimsley Dragoon Saddle

Pattern 1847

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

(click here for detailed photos)

Constructed with wet rawhide, the Grimsley saddle proved extremely strong, capable of withstanding the rigors of frontier campaigns. The Grimsley was officially adopted by the army in 1847 and remained the regulation saddle until replaced by the famous McClellan saddle in 1859.

EARLY CAVALRY WEAPONS

The traditional arm of the cavalry is the "sabre" or sword used in mounted charges against the enemy. The saber was effective against lightly armed forces, or even infantry armed with single shot muskets. Firearms became increasing important cavalry weapons as improved gun designs gave the trooper greater range and firepower.

Heavy Dragoon Saber

Model 1840

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

(click here for detailed photos)

In theory, sabers were the primary weapon for dragoons, with pistols next in importance in mounted action. Commonly referred to as “old wristbreaker” in the mounted service, this heavy saber was patterned after a French 1822 design. Although officially replaced by a light cavalry saber in 1860, many of these continued in service through the Civil War.

Pistol Carbine

Model 1855

Courtesy anonymous collection

(click here for detailed photos)

This was an unsuccessful attempt to provide a weapon that could be used either as a single shot pistol at short range or, with the stock attached, as a carbine for longer range combat. Unfortunately, it was not effective in either role. They remained in use early in the Civil War but were soon replaced with revolvers or breech-loading carbines as they became available.

Cavalry Musketoon

Model 1847 .69 caliber

Courtesy anonymous collection

(click here for detailed photos)

A shorter barreled version of the musket, this smoothbore firearm was issued to mounted troops. They include a “sling ring” which attached to a leather sling over the trooper’s shoulder so that he could drop the gun while controlling his horse or using his saber.

PHOTOS:

View of the Commanding General’s Quarters

Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, January 1859

Photography by C. C. Mills

Courtesy National Archives

Army Troops Pulling a Firewood Wagon

Camp Scott, Utah Territory (present Wyoming)

circa. 1857-58

Photo by David A. Burr

Courtesy Utah State Historical Society

Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.
Fort Douglas Military Museum Association
Revised:20 December 2008