The FREE and INDEPENDENT CUBA flag was based in part on the Republic of Texas flag. The STAFF (Pole) side is described as having a large blue triangular area with the center of the triangle was a white ‘Lone’ Star design. Some illustrations show a six rather than five pointed star. The ‘FLY’ side was simple consisting of four equally sized alternating blue and white stripes. This is very similar to the current Cuban national flag but the blue triangle has been replaced with a red version. One illustration of the Cardenas operation shows the current Cuban national version being flown. However I do not know which version was actually in use, so I listed both versions.

Lopez and other senior officer’s uniforms are not described but I have seen several newspaper illustrations. It appears to be of a European cut and modeled on Italian Independence uniforms. He holds an Italian style wide brim hat with one side upturned and feathers in it.

1850

Every man was issued a RED shirt reflecting the Italian’s Garabaldi influence.

Every man was issued a black or very dark blue cap modeled on the US Army cap wore during the Mexican-American War. Another illustration shows a leather cap similar to what the USA Army used during the Seminole War. The cap had a Lone Star cockade in the front..

Captains were issued white pants. Lieutenants wore black pants. Enlisted men wore any color but the above. Some men even wore striped pants.

Officers were issued with a Jennings rifle. Other men were issued muskets. Most of the men (300) were also issued Bowie knives and/or a pistol.

1851

Every man was issued a BLUE shirt. Troops were also issued a black or very dark blue cap modeled on the US Army cap wore during the Mexican-American wore.

Unlike the previous expedition, men wore any color. Some men even wore striped pants. Officers preferred white pants.

Lopez's Filibuster Expedition to Cuba 1850-1851

Introduction
Uniforms and Flags
Spanish Colonial Uniforms of the 1850s
Unit Organization
Battles and Scenarios 1850
Battles and Scenarios 1851
Notes for Wargamers