Remembering Louisiana's Confederates

Louisiana provided over 50,000 men into the Confederate Army during the Civil War. The state also proved a few thousand into the Union Army. Some residents served in both. As they put on their uniforms, they were pride is still evident today as they posed for a photograph to send back home to family, friends and loved one. One Louisiana soldier sent his photo back home and in his letter noted the photo cost $3.00 to take. That was quite a bit of money in those days, but the new art of photography was in its infant stages and prices were high. Regretfully, most of these photos are lost to time. However, some still exists, held onto by generations. We have attempted to reprint as many as possible of these portraits of Louisiana Civil War soldiers, dressed in uniform. Over 250 are included in this edition, from privates to top generals. Most of the clothes in which they fought were probably eventually worn to tatters, and many put on the barely used dress coat carefully to identify themselves with the cause. Some brandished pistols, knives and swords, but they all showed their pride.