U.S. Zouave Cadets and Elmer Ellsworth-- Part 1

From the Smithsonian.

This will be the topic of the McHenry County Civil War Round Table presentation tonight in Woodstock, Illinois.

Most know Elmer E. Ellsworth was the first Union officer killed in the war on May 24, 1861, when he took down the Confederate flag from the roof of the hotel in Alexandria, Virginia.  But not so many know about the group that brought him to military prominence, the Zouave Cadets.

The U.S. Zouave Cadets were organized by Ellsworth in Chicago 1859-1860.  They were noted for their precision drills and colorful uniforms.  They toured the United States in 1860, putting on shows and in August 1860 were invited to the White House to put on a performance for President James Buchanan and his popular niece, Harriet Lane.

--Old Secesh