Thursday, June 24, 2010

Details underfoot

Frequently, in our assessments of how well or how poorly Civil War soldiers fought, we overlook one of their most fundamental hardships - the shoes they campaigned in.

A recent meeting between the Park's volunteer artillery detachment and a group of active duty military personnel provided the opportunity for a side-by-side comparison of combat footwear "then and now".


The challenges faced by the 1862 G.I. become even more apparent when one considers trying to fight and conquer rugged terrain in these smooth-soled ankle boots.


Details like these help to connect people to their parks.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

And trust me. After a three day reenactment with lots of walking and standing in these civil war brogans your feet are KILLING you!!!

Barry

Chris Evans said...

Doesn't Kilrain say in 'Gettysburg' at Little Round Top: 'My brogans are killing me.'?

To think the 10, 15, 20 mile marching that was done in these shoes, uniforms, and equipment. It is truly staggering what type of men most of these soldiers were. I will always be in awe of them.

Chris

Rene Tyree said...

WOW now there is a lesson in contrasts!

Rene