Wisconsin Participation
Wisconsin sent about 91,000 soldiers to fight in the Civil War. What percentage of the state’s male population was that?
1 in 5 Wisconsinites served (20%)
Wisconsin’s governor during most of the Civil War was Alexander Randall. What nickname did he earn for aggressively recruiting soldiers?
“The War Governor"
What Civil War training camp in Wisconsin eventually became the site of the University of Wisconsin’s football stadium?
Camp Randall
During the war, Wisconsin farmers dramatically increased production of what crop that helped feed Union troops?
Wheat
What Civil War battle began after Union soldiers discovered Confederate battle plans wrapped around cigars in a field?
Which famous Union brigade, known for wearing tall black hats and fighting fiercely, included three Wisconsin regiments?
The Iron Brigade
Which Civil War general, born in Lancaster, Wisconsin, later became a U.S. senator and famous Civil War hero?
Cadwallader C. Washburn (Union general from Lancaster, Wisconsin who later served as a U.S. congressman and senator).
Wisconsin soldiers at Gettysburg captured the battle flag of which Confederate regiment during a charge?
The 2nd Mississippi Infantry’s battle flag was captured by soldiers of the Iron Brigade.
The Iron Brigade was sometimes called the “Black Hats.” What piece of headgear made them stand out?
Hardee hats (tall black felt hats)
This animal, enlisted by a Wisconsin regiment, reportedly marched and drank whiskey with soldiers.
The 2nd Wisconsin Infantry was nicknamed the “Ragged Second.” Why did they earn this nickname?
They often marched and fought without proper uniforms or supplies early in the war, leaving them tattered and worn out, giving them the nickname “Ragged Second.”
What unusual animal mascot reportedly traveled with the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment?
A bald eagle served as the mascot named "Old Abe"
Wisconsin’s 8th Infantry Regiment had one of the strangest reputations in the Union Army. Why did other soldiers call them the “Eagle Regiment”?
Because they carried their live eagle mascot, Old Abe, into battles.
Wisconsin soldiers often wrote letters home describing what everyday food staple they missed most. What Midwestern comfort food did many mention?
fresh bread or homemade pies
Who was the youngest Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War, earning it as a drummer boy?
Willie Johnston, who received the medal at age 11 for bravery during the Peninsula Campaign.
What Wisconsin regiment helped guard Abraham Lincoln’s body during his funeral train procession in 1865?
19th Wisconsin Infantry helped guard Lincoln’s body along the funeral route
What famous Union general inspected Wisconsin troops at Camp Randall early in the war?
General Winfield Scott (the aging general who helped organize Union forces early in the war).
Wisconsin soldiers were heavily involved in the Battle of Antietam. What made this battle historically significant in terms of casualties?
It was the single bloodiest day in American history (over 22,000 casualties).
Which Wisconsin city became a major manufacturing center for Union weapons and supplies during the Civil War?
Which unusual animal experiment by the U.S. Army existed right before the Civil War?
The U.S. Camel Corps, where the Army tested camels as pack animals in the American Southwest in the 1850s.
The Iron Brigade’s reputation for toughness came from fighting in several brutal battles. Name TWO major battle where the Iron Brigade fought.
Gettysburg
Antietam
Second Bull Run
South Mountain
The Wilderness
Which future Wisconsin governor served as a Union officer during the Civil War and later became a national political figure?
Lucius Fairchild (Union officer who later became governor of Wisconsin).
Wisconsin’s Camp Randall also held thousands of Confederate prisoners of war. About how many prisoners were held there during the war?
Around 1,200 Confederate prisoners were held there at different times.
What mined mineral did Wisconsin contribute to war production?
Provided lead for bullets, while its forests supplied lumber for artillery equipment and musket stocks
This Union general once arrived late to a battle because he stopped to eat strawberries along the way.
General George McClellan