Union 2nd Wisconsin Infantry

By Crusader1307

Formed in 1861, The (10) Companies of The 2nd Wisconsin Infantry numbers 1,420 Officers and Men. They were part of the famed ''Iron Brigade'' (consisting of Volunteers from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan). The Regiment would see action in many of The Army of The Potomac's more ''hard pressed'' battles. At The First Battle of Bull Run (1861), The Regiment – which originally reported for the engagement in Militia ''Grey'' Uniforms, were subjected to ''friendly fire'' from Union Artillery. Later, after a reform of shoddy Leadership and Regulation Federal Blue uniforms issued, The 2nd Wisconsin was assigned to The Army of The Potomac. Suffering many casualties as a result of the Battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville and The Wilderness Campaign, The 2nd Wisconsin saw it's severe trials at The Battle of Gettysburg (1863). Positioned on McPherson's Ridge, The2nd held again heavy infantry charges from Rebel Forces. As a result of three days of hard fighting, The Regiment suffered 77% casualties. The remains of The 2nd Wisconsin Regiment were consolidated with other depleted Iron Brigade Regiments in 1864, thus losing their designation. They mustered out at the end of The War in 1865.