Cabinet Photo of an 8th U.S. Cavalry Private At Fort Meade, Dakota (Pre 1889)

Cabinet Photo of an 8th U.S. Cavalry Private At Fort Meade, Dakota (Pre 1890). Identified on the back to Edward Burg, Troop B, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Other marking suggest this image was one time part of his pension file, and has the round stamp dated Sept 6. 1816.  Private Burg is wearing the new 1885 pattern dress coat, with 1880 dress helmet, not the custom of separating the helmet cording below the tassel on the left side of the helmet, to allow the helmet to be carried more easily.  Burg was issued the 1872 pattern saber belt with individual hangers, each worn on separate brass slides.

The photographer is W.R. Cross, based out of Hot Springs, SD. and worked in this area, and Niobrara, Nebr. photographing native Americans and other western scenery.

Needs research; could be a WWI veteran.

Measures 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches.

Until 1881 the 8th Cavalry occupied camps and posts in Texas, from Fort Brown to Fort Clarke. From 1881 to 1885 it was at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1886 and 1887 it was at Fort Brown, and in 1888 marched to Fort Meade, Dakota Territory, soon after Dakota Territory be made into 2 states, North and South Dakota in November of 1889, South Dakota being the 40th State of the Union.  Although the 8th Cavalry was stationed in the area of Wounded Knee, they did not take part in the battle there in 1890, but did have some fighting with small bands of Lakota while stationed at Fort Meade.

It was at Fort Meade that the “Star Spangled Banner” first became the official music for the military retreat ceremony, long before it was used as out National Anthem. In 1892, the post commander Colonel Caleb Carlton, 8th Cavalry, began this custom  at various ceremonies and requested that all people rise and pay it proper respect long before it became the national anthem. (Wikipedia).

Some fading, but all clear.