1. Wisconsin’s Fighting Spirit:
Wisconsin had a strong presence in the Civil War. Our state contributed 91,000 men to the Union Army. This was more than 11% of the state’s total population at that time.

The troops from Wisconsin fought in numerous battles. Badger soldiers were known to display courage and determination on the battlefield.

2. Iron Brigade:
The state of Wisconsin played a pivotal role in forming and sustaining the Iron Brigade, one of the most renowned military units during the war.

Comprised of soldiers from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, it earned its name due to its fierce defense at the Battle of South Mountain.

The Iron Brigade became famous for its tenacity and resilience. It fought in major engagements such as Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

3. The Battle of Gettysburg:
Wisconsin soldiers made a significant impact during Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. They were part of the Iron Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Solomon Meredith.

The Iron Brigade fought valiantly on the first day of the battle.

Despite suffering heavy casualties, the Wisconsin troops managed to hold their ground against Confederate forces, helping to secure the Union’s defensive position on Cemetery Hill.

4. Camp Randall:
Camp Randall, located in Madison, served as an important training and recruitment center for Union soldiers during the Civil War. It once housed thousands of soldiers.

Now the site of the UW Madison Football stadium and athletics complex, Camp Randall was Initially constructed as a temporary training facility, and in 1862 transitioned into a prisoner-of-war camp for Confederate soldiers.


5. Copperhead Influence:
Yet some people in Wisconsin had a strong anti-war sentiment. They were known as Copperheads.

The Copperheads were members of the Democratic Party who opposed the war and blamed President Abraham Lincoln for its continuation.

They believed that the war was unconstitutional. They wanted to stop all fighting advocated for peace negotiations with the Confederacy, even if it meant the continuation of slavery.

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