The WI Iron Brigade (Civil War) Historical Marker

The Iron Brigade fought entirely in the Eastern Theater in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and DC., yet it consisted of five regiments with three coming from Wisconsin, one from Indiana and one from Michigan. They were one of the strongest regiments who represented the Union Army during the Civil War. They were known for their steadfast fighting ability and for their unique uniforms and were considered the best troops in the world. They had several nicknames but were mostly known as the Black Hats” because of the uniquely decorated hardee hats that they wore. Their field uniforms were more of a dress uniform rather than the common war uniform.

This regiment fought in all the major Civil War battlegrounds including First Battle of Bull Run, in Virginia, the Civil War of Antietam in Maryland and the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. The regiment was also the hardest hit with more casualties than other regiments. They lost a combined 80 percent of their soldiers in all three battles.