The story of the Oregon volunteers during the Civil War was not one of glory and adventure. For them it was long years of constant marching through winter snows of the high desert and the summer heat of the plains. At best, issued equipment was poor for the use intended. The wool uniforms were agony in the summer, and sodden, cold dampness in the winter. Boots were good for only a few weeks on the trail. Rations consisted of hardtack, green coffee, salt pork, and beans. The Oregon volunteer troops were demobilized in 1866 when federal troops moved back into the northwest.
The story of the Oregon volunteers during the Civil War was not one of glory and adventure. For them it was long years of constant marching through winter snows of the high desert and the summer heat of the plains. At best, issued equipment was poor for the use intended. The wool uniforms were agony in the summer, and sodden, cold dampness in the winter. Boots were good for only a few weeks on the trail. Rations consisted of hardtack, green coffee, salt pork, and beans. The Oregon volunteer troops were demobilized in 1866 when federal troops moved back into the northwest.
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