Hi Mike:

It is my understanding that the Louisiana State Militia wore blue uniforms in 1861 and 1862. The two photos of officers in my wife's family collection who were members of the Orleans Guard Regiment appear to be dressed in Federal blue. One uniform photo probably dates to about 1846 while the other has the Confederate style sworls on the coat sleeves. But the uniform coat is dark and presumed to be Federal blue since this young man was a Lieutenant in Company D, the Orleans Guards regiment.

There is a famous story about the Orleans Guards who volunteered for Confederate service in March 1862 taking "friendly fire" at Shiloh because of the their blue uniforms. The second day, the survivors were found marching along with their coats turned inside out and the lining showing.

The Louisiana State Militia may have started using Confederate gray after the fall of New Orleans, but I am not up to speed on that.

Hugh Simmons