The Pennsylvania
Bucktails

Some of the best soldiers came from the civilian ranks who were superior hunters prior to the war. One such unit, the “Pennsylvania Bucktails” were recruited from lumbermen and backwoodsmen from that state. These men had to demonstrate their skill in marksmanship by producing a bucktail from their aim. They wore these bucktails on the rear of their caps. These men served in the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (also known as the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles or the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteers).

Bucktails from the 150th PA, Company K, were assigned as Body Guards to Abraham Lincon. They served at the Summer White House also known as the Soldier’s Home until the assassination in April 1865.

Books:

Pennsylvania Bucktails, A Photographic Album of the 42nd, 149th, & 150th Pennsylvania Regiments.

Read a review of
the book.

Corporal Brewer, A Bucktail Survivor. William W. Means.

Web:

Famous Units – Pennsylvania Bucktails

Bucktails – 1st PA Rifles

http://pabucktail.com/


You can order a beautiful
picture (right) of the Pennsylvania Bucktails here.

Keywords:
Pennsylvania Bucktails, 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, 13th Pennsylvania, 42nd Pennsylvania, 150th Pennsylvania

Source: The
Civil War Book of Lists, 1994: p. 44.