How long has the u.s. army calvalry stetson been used?

Answer 1

The "Hollywood" cavalry "Stetson" hat was never officially an army issue hat, until the end of the 19th century...with the 1898 Spanish-American War; and that was for tropical use in Cuba and the Philippines. The US Army "Kepi" (like a Baseball cap...with short bill in front; commonly known as a Civil War cap/hat) was the official US Army hat for field use. Wide brimmed stetson's were authorized for local wear on the western frontiers when obtained by the Cavalrymen themselves. The "Drill Sergeant Hat", also called the "Smokey the Bear Hat" which is still worn by US Border Patrolmen at checkpoints and US Park Rangers, etc. As well as some state's Highway Patrol, etc. Were OFFICIALLY US Army "Campaign Hats" issued to US Army personnel in 1900 up until WW2. US Army troops patrolled the US National Parks and the US-Mexican Border until about 1927; at which time they turned over those duties to the civilian law enforcement agencies...US Border Patrol and National Park Service. Which is why today those two agencies wear an Army looking green uniform and former US Army Campaign Hats (Smokey the Bear Hats)...a passive reminder of who used to perform those duties; the US Army.