Was Jefferson Davis truely dressed as a woman when captured, or is that an urban legend?
Question #120969. Asked by star_gazer.
Last updated Oct 06 2021.
deputygary
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deputygary 20 year member
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By several seemingly eyewitness accounts, Davis did have a woman's overcoat on when captured. It may have been given to him by his wife to keep out the damp and cold of the morning or it may have been as a partial disguise. According to these accounts he was not wearing petticoats and crinoline.
Response last updated by satguru on Oct 06 2021.
Apr 03 2011, 6:12 PM
Zbeckabee
Answer has 2 votes
Zbeckabee Moderator 19 year member
11752 replies
Answer has 2 votes.
Myth: When Confederate president, Jefferson Davis was arrested after the Civil War, he was wearing his wife's clothes as a disquise in hopes of avoiding capture.
Fact: Although many today may not have heard this story, it was a popular myth at the time and was widely reported in the tabloids along with artists's depictions of Jefferson Davis wearing a variety of women's clothing. There was even a popular song at the time called "Jeff in Petticoats". The fact is, there is no truth to the story. Those actually present at the time of his capture, including Captain James H. Parker, stated that Jefferson Davis was wearing mens' clothing, including a mens' hat.
To me the issue is still in doubt. There seem to be reports from persons present at the time of his capture stating he was and was not wearing any women's clothing. It is possible that he wore mens' clothing, including a hat, but he had on a womens' outer coat.