The Civil War Red Legs were a secret Union military society organized by General Thomas Ewing and James Blunt for desperate service along the border. The men that composed the company were referred to as “Red Legs” due to their red or tan-colored leather leggings they wore. The group numbered as many as 100 men who had a mission of defending the Union forces in Kansas and Missouri.
These Red Legs often clashed with pro-slavery advocates, popularly known as Bushwhackers or Border Ruffians, who wanted to maintain the institution of slavery in thse areas. The Red Legs were proactive in their efforts to combat these groups. They would raid plantations and homesteads, steal horses and supplies, destroy crops, and disrupt any Confederate operations they came across.
The Red Legs were renowned for their ability to sneak up on unsuspecting Confederate troops during battles and surprise them with overwhelming force. They were also known for their expertise in guerrilla warfare tactics, making them a valuable asset to the Union forces.
Despite their successes, some people viewed them with suspicion because of their activities during wartime. Some accused them of being overly aggressive and overstepping their authority when it came to dealing with Confederate troops and civilians alike.
Regardless of how they were viewed by some people, it cannot be denied that the Red Legs played an important role in helping the Union forces gain victory in the Civil War. Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered by history as an essential part of America’s fight for freedom from slavery.
The Origins of the Name Red Legs
The term “Red Legs” was derived from the fact that members of the company wore leggings of red or tan-colored leather. These leggings were designed to provide additional protection when mounted on horseback, which was especially important in the dangerous terrain of the border. Red Legs were organized by General Thomas Ewing and James Blunt as a secret Union military society for desperate service along the border and numbered as many as 100 men. The red leggings were thought to be a symbol of courage and strength, and so the men who wore them earned their nickname “Red Legs”.
Source: nationalreview.com
The Meaning of Redlegs
Redlegs were a term used to refer to the poor white people who lived on Caribbean islands, such as Barbados, St. Vincent, and Grenada. These people had descended from the indentured servants, forced labourers, and peons that had been sent from Ireland, Scotland and other parts of Europe. The term “redlegs” derived from the fact that many of these people had fair skin but would become sunburned easily due to their work in fields or heat of the Caribbean climate. As a result, their legs would become red and sunburnt which led to them being referred to as “redlegs”.
In addition to having fair skin, Redlegs were also known for their distinct culture and dialect which was a combination of Gaelic Irish, Scottish and African languages. They mostly worked in agriculture and fishing industries with little access to education or social services becaue of their poverty. Over time their numbers have decreased as they have moved away from these islands in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
The History of the Missouri Redlegs
The Missouri Redlegs were a Unionist militia active in the mid-19th century during the American Civil War. The group was founded by James H. Lane and consisted of volunteers from Kansas and Western Missouri who sought to protect Union interests in the region. The members were distinguished by their uniform of red leggings and typically operated as raiders, burning out and murdering Confederate sympathizers. The Redlegs were known for their brutality and often indiscriminately attacked innocent civilians during their raids, even those who were not actively supporting the Confederacy. While they served an important role in defending Union forces from Confederate attacks, their tactics were often seen as excessive.
Were Jayhawkers Opponents of Slavery?
Yes, Jayhawkers were strongly opposed to slavery. Jayhawkers were a group of antislavery activists that operated mainly in the Kansas Territory during the 1850s and 1860s. They were strongly opposed to pro-slavery advocates, known as Bushwhackers or Border Ruffians, who sought to establish slavery in the territory. The Jayhawkers were dedicated to maintaining Kansas as a free state and worked to oppose any legislation that allowed for slavery in the region. They fought various skirmishes and battles with the pro-slavery faction in order to secure their goal of a free Kansas Territory.
Civil War Soldiers Who Wore Red
During the American Civil War, one of the most recognizable regiments to wear red were the Zouaves. These volunteer regiments wore baggy trousers, often in either a red or striped style, along with short jackets and sashes. To complete their unique look, members of the Zouaves often wore fez hats or turbans. The Zouave uniform was inspired by the French Zouaves who fought in North Africa in the 19th century. While they were not officially part of either army, they fought on both sides of the conflict and were especially popular amongst Confederate soldiers.
The Significance of Red Pants During the Civil War
In the Civil War, red pants were worn by members of the Union Artillery. This was done in order to easily distinguish the artillery branch from the infantry branch, which wore blue pants. Red was chosen as it is a very visible color on a battlefield, making it easier for officers to observe and direct their troops. Red trousers were also worn by non-commissioned officers within the Union Army’s artillery branch, though they did not have any official regulations regrding this practice until 1864. The Confederate Army did not have a standard uniform for their artillerymen, so there was no regulation for them to wear any particular color of trousers.
The Origin of the Term Redlegs for Artillery
The term ‘Redlegs’ was first used to refer to Field Artillery Soldiers in the early 1800s. During this time, the military sought to differentiate between branches of the service by assigning each one a specific colour. The Field Artillery was assigned Scarlet, and soldiers of this branch began wearing a Scarlet stripe down their pant legs on the field of battle. This practice quickly led to the nickname ‘Redlegs’ – a reference to the scarlet-striped uniform. Over time, this nickname has stuck with members of the Field Artillery and remains in use today.
The Origins of the Term Redlegs for Field Artillerymen
Field artillerymen are often referred to as “redlegs” because of the distinctive red stripes that were featured down the legs of their uniforms. This practice can be traced back to the Mexican-American War, when both Ringgold’s Battery and Duncan’s Battery were issued uniforms with scarlet stripes on their pants. This tradition was continued throughout the Civil War and even after WWI on dress uniforms. The color of the stripes was believed to signify the courage of these soldiers and the danger they faced in battle. The term “redlegs” has sice become a part of military culture, referring to all members of the field artillery branch.
The Impact of the Red Legs on History
The Red Legs were a paramilitary organization formed during the Civil War to serve as scouts and spies for the Union army. They operated in both the South and North, gathering intelligence on Confederate forces and operations. They also conducted reconnaissance missions, acted as couriers, and provided support for Union troops in battle. In addition, they carried out raids behind enemy lines and sabotaged Confederate supply lines. The group was made up of frmer slaves, freedmen, and deserters from both sides of the conflict. Their efforts helped to disrupt Confederate plans and weaken their forces, ultimately helping the Union to win the war.
Famous Outlaw from Missouri
Jesse Woodson James was a legendary outlaw from Missouri who achieved notoriety during the post-Civil War period. Born in Clay County, Missouri on September 5, 1847, he was known for robbing banks and trains in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and West Virginia. He was also famous for his alleged involvement in the assassination of former Union General Edwin Stanton. Though his motives behind his criminal activity are unknown, many have suggested that it was an act of revenge against those who had wronged him and his family during the Civil War. Despite being seen by some as a murderous criminal, others have claimed that Jesse James was actually a modern-day Robin Hood who robbed from wealthy businessmen and bankers to help the impoverished citizens of the South. Whatever the truth may be, Jesse James remains an infamous figure in American history and is remembered as one of the most notorious outlaws of all time.
Missouri’s Role in the Civil War
Missouri was not officially a part of either the Union or the Confederacy during the Civil War. Missouri declared its neutrality in 1861, and President Abraham Lincoln allowed the state to remain neutral without federal intervention. However, Confederate troops occupied parts of Missouri through 1862, and the Confederate Congress officially recognized Missouri as its twelfth state in 1861. In response to Confederate incursions into Missouri, Union troops were sent to protect the state from further invasion. Ultimately, while battles between Union and Confederate forces were fought on Missouri soil, neither side claimed ultimate control over the state.
The Origins of the Name Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was a period of guerrilla warfare between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces that lasted from 1854 to 1859 in the US state of Kansas. The fighting was caused by a territorial dispute over whether or not Kansas would be a free state or permit slavery, with both sides heavily armed and ready to fight. This period of regional conflict earned its name due to the high level of violence, destruction, and bloodshed that took place during this time.
As the fighting escalated, pro-slavery forces began to burn down homes, destroy property, and even murder thse who opposed them. Anti-slavery forces responded in kind with their own acts of violence, which included ambushes on wagon trains carrying goods for pro-slavery settlers. In addition to these direct acts of violence, both sides also set up militias as they attempted to gain control over the territory. These militias often carried out raids on one another’s encampments, leading to further destruction and death.
The high volume of casualties and destruction led people to refer to this period as Bleeding Kansas in order to emphasize the amount of suffering caused by this conflict. By 1859, tensions had cooled enough for a stalemate to be reached between the two sides and an uneasy peace settled over the territory until 1861 when civil war broke out throughout America.
Was Kansas a Pro-Slavery State?
At the time of its admission to the Union, Kansas was a battleground between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces. The Topeka government had requested that Kansas be admitted as a free state, but President Franklin Pierce threw his support behind the pro-slavery legislature, asking Congress to admit Kansas as a slave state. Ultimately, Kansas was admitted to the Union as a free state in 1861, when the Republican Party gained control of Congress. However, prior to this time there had been considerable debate over whether or not slavery should be allowed in the new state.
The Role of Redleg Soldiers in History
Redlegs were soldiers in the United States Army Field Artillery and were so named because of the scarlet stripes down the legs of ther uniform pants. During the Civil War, these bright red stripes on their pants helped to distinguish them from other soldiers and acted as a symbol of courage and bravery in battle. Redlegs took part in many battles and engagements, using their artillery to support infantry forces and even provide fire support for retreating forces. They were responsible for firing howitzers, cannons, and mortars, as well as setting up military camps and training new troops. Redlegs also had an important role in reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence on enemy positions.
Conclusion
The Union’s Red Legs were a secret military organisation that played a significant role in the Civil War by helping to secure the Union’s borders and protect its citizens. These brave men were distinguished by their red leggings, and they fought alongside Union troops in several skirmishes and battles against pro-slavery proponents such as Bushwhackers or Border Ruffians. Despite the fact that they were not officially recognised by the government, these Red Legs served their country with bravery and honour, helping to ensure the victory of the North during this tumultuous time in American history.
