On November 27, 2017 my book "Wisconsin and the Civil War" was published by the History Press. The book offers new research about the role of Wisconsin's African Americans and Native Americans in the Civil War and emphasizes on the role of women, Wisconsin’s economy during the war, and on politics, such as resistance to the draft in Wisconsin.
Below is the cover of the book are a few photos depicting Wisconsin and the Civil War followed. The three portraits at the top of the front cover are L-R, Peter Thomas, a slave who was liberated by the 15th Wis. Inf. and subsequently enlisted in the US Colored Troops; Cordelia Harvey, the widow of a governor who died while visiting Wisconsin troops in the field who went on to become very important in establishing hospitals to care for wounded and sick northern soldiers; and Lucius Fairchild, Commanding officer of the 2nd Wis. Infantry who lost his arm at Gettysburg. Below these is a painting of Camp Randall which served as a training camp for Wisconsin soldiers. On the back cover is a quote from a Wisconsin soldier and a recruiting poster. Below, is a painting of the 6th Wis. Inf. advancing during the battle of South Mountain in September 1862. Retailing for $21.99, it can be purchased at www.arcadiapublishing.com/The-History-Press, Amazon.com.
Below is the cover of the book are a few photos depicting Wisconsin and the Civil War followed. The three portraits at the top of the front cover are L-R, Peter Thomas, a slave who was liberated by the 15th Wis. Inf. and subsequently enlisted in the US Colored Troops; Cordelia Harvey, the widow of a governor who died while visiting Wisconsin troops in the field who went on to become very important in establishing hospitals to care for wounded and sick northern soldiers; and Lucius Fairchild, Commanding officer of the 2nd Wis. Infantry who lost his arm at Gettysburg. Below these is a painting of Camp Randall which served as a training camp for Wisconsin soldiers. On the back cover is a quote from a Wisconsin soldier and a recruiting poster. Below, is a painting of the 6th Wis. Inf. advancing during the battle of South Mountain in September 1862. Retailing for $21.99, it can be purchased at www.arcadiapublishing.com/The-History-Press, Amazon.com.
Above: Six soldiers identified as members of Co. C of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. The 2nd Wis. Inf. was part of a unit known as the Iron Brigade. Renown for its fighting ability, the brigade was comprised of soldiers from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The 2nd Wis. Inf. suffered the highest percentage of battle deaths of any regiment in the Union army. The members of the Iron Brigade wore a distinctive uniform, which can be seen above. The soldiers are wearing black Hardee hats, frock coats, and leggings. Notice the tin cup hanging from the chest of the soldier standing on the left. This was not authorized but illustrates the way soldiers might "customize" their uniform and equipment to suit their preferences. The soldier seated in the center is thought to be Corporal Spencer Train. If so, the picture was taken between October 1861, when the soldiers received these uniforms, and August 1862, when Train was promoted to sergeant. Train died of wounds received at the battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
Thomas Bigford (in cap, on left) and another official swearing-in two Wisconsin Native American recruits. According to Bigford, the recruit on right may be Adam Scherf of Stockbridge.
Above is Pvt. Robert Drake of the 1st Wis. Inf. He was killed at the battle of Falling Waters on July 2, 1861. He was the first Wisconsin soldier killed in action.