Fun Fact: Why are West Point Uniforms Gray?

Have you ever wondered why cadets wear gray uniforms when army uniforms were originally indigo blue?

It all began in the American-British War, in 1812, when resources were rapidly depleted. There was a scarcity of blue fabric, with only rough gray cloth available. This cloth was normally used by volunteers.

In July 1814, Brigadier General Winfield Scott led his troops to victory at the Battle of Chippewa after the British commander underestimated them because they wore gray coats similar to those worn by inexperienced volunteers.

Following the encounter, the Superintendent of the Academy, Captain Alden Partridge, had a gray uniform designed for himself and soon authorized an order for new gray cadet coats.

To this day, cadets wear gray uniforms for two reasons: First, in 1816, Joseph Swift proposed formalizing the gray uniform because it was economical and had been in use for over a year. Second, General Scott cited in his memoirs that West Point cadets wear gray to commemorate the victory at Chippewa.

Source: Westpointaog.org

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