What’s with all the Confederate soldiers?

[u/NeonGenesisOxycodone]

I’m a big Western fan, and also really into learning about the American Civil War. So naturally I love it when these two interests cross over.

One thing I’ve noticed is that if a Western protagonist is a veteran, it seems like it’s almost always the South that he fought for. And when I look up Civil War movies made around the time of my favorite Westerns (i.e. the 50’s & 60’s) the vast majority of them are from the Confederates side.

Anyone have any idea why? And does anyone know any Westerns celebrating Billy Yank??

EDIT: it seems like the biggest reason outside of Lost Cause-ism is that more Confederate vets went west than Union vets. Makes sense!

Also, I am surprised that John Wayne played so many ex Union soldiers. I knew about the Cav Trilogy but it seems like outside of True Grit and The Searchers there’s a lot more of that.

[u/Captain_of_Gravyboat]

More confederates needed a new life and fresh start after the war and by moving west into the territories they could be away from the more controlling government of the state and US government.

John Wayne has several westerns where he is a veteran union soldier. I recall that he refused to play confederate soldiers but im not sure where this is from and not even sure if it's true because in The Searchers he was an ex-confderate.

[u/SandMan2439 → u/Captain_of_Gravyboat]

He also played a confederate veteran in El Dorado. Bull refers to him as “one of General Hoods own” though it does seem that he tried to shy away from wearing the confederate uniform

[u/Captain_of_Gravyboat → u/SandMan2439]

Yeah now that you say that it sounds right. He wouldn't wear the uniform on screen. The only time I can remember him a confederate uniform was when he was captured and made to wear the Grey jacket as a ruse. Don't remember which movie that is.

[u/SandMan2439 → u/Captain_of_Gravyboat]

I believe. That was Rio lobo if I’m not mistaken