The 6th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was an

infantry Infantry is a military specialization which engages in ground combat on foot. Infantry generally consists of light infantry, mountain infantry, motorized infantry & mechanized infantry, airborne infantry, air assault infantry, and marine i ...

regiment A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, service and/or a specialisation. In Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of front-line soldiers, recruited or conscripted ...

that served in the

Union Army During the American Civil War, the Union Army, also known as the Federal Army and the Northern Army, referring to the United States Army, was the land force that fought to preserve the Union (American Civil War), Union of the collective U.S. st ...

during the

American Civil War The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states th ...

. It spent most of the war as a part of the famous

Iron Brigade The Iron Brigade, also known as The Black Hats, Black Hat Brigade, Iron Brigade of the West, and originally King's Wisconsin Brigade was an infantry brigade in the Union Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. Although it fought enti ...

in the

Army of the Potomac The Army of the Potomac was the principal Union Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. It was created in July 1861 shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run and was disbanded in June 1865 following the surrender of the Confedera ...

Service

The 6th Wisconsin was raised at

Madison, Wisconsin Madison is the county seat of Dane County and the capital city of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census the population was 269,840, making it the second-largest city in Wisconsin by population, after Milwaukee, and the 80th-lar ...

, and mustered into Federal service July 16, 1861, for a term of three years. It saw severe fighting in the 1862 Northern Virginia Campaign, fighting at Brawner's Farm in the waning hours of August 28th, 1862, where they would receive their baptism of fire, losing 72 men killed or wounded. After the devastating defeat at

Second Bull Run The Second Battle of Bull Run or Battle of Second Manassas was fought August 28–30, 1862, in Prince William County, Virginia, as part of the American Civil War. It was the culmination of the Northern Virginia Campaign waged by Confederate ...

, the third corp was transferred back into the

Army Of The Potomac The Army of the Potomac was the principal Union Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. It was created in July 1861 shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run and was disbanded in June 1865 following the surrender of the Confedera ...

. In the subsequent Maryland Campaign of 1862 the 6th would assault Turners Gap at South Mountain, losing 90 men, then would once again be heavily engaged at

The Battle Of Antietam The Battle of Antietam (), or Battle of Sharpsburg particularly in the Southern United States, was a battle of the American Civil War fought on September 17, 1862, between Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and Union ...

, losing an extra 152 casualties, and resulting in the wounding of Colonel Edward Bragg. The 6th would not see any major action at The Battle Of Fredricksburg, but would partake in the assault at Fizthugh's Crossing, April 29th, 1863. Colonel Bragg would once again suffer wounds at The Battle Of Chancellorsville, leaving command of the regiment to Lieutenant Colonel

Rufus Dawes Rufus R. Dawes (July 4, 1838August 1, 1899) was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He used the middle initial "R" but had no middle name. He was noted for his service in the famed Iron Brigade, particularly duri ...

The 6th's next major engagement would be at the crossroads town of Gettysburg, July 1st 1863. However, the 6th would be held in reserve on Seminary Ridge, while the rest of the Iron Brigade advanced to Herbst's Woods, being led by General John Reynolds himself. The 6th would finally get their turn to bring glory to Wisconsin when they are ordered to attack an exposed Confederate Brigade under the command of Joseph R. Davis. The 6th would form up on the Chambersburg Pike behind a fence, and aided by the

14th Brooklyn The 14th Regiment New York State Militia (also called the 14th Brooklyn Chasseurs) was a volunteer militia regiment from the City of Brooklyn, New York (state), New York. It is primarily known for its service in the American Civil War from April ...

and the 95th New York, they would assault the Confederates, who had entrenched themselves in a unfinished railroad cut. The Badgers would suffer heavily in the charge, losing one man for every yard they advanced. The following is quoted from Rufus Dawes. "I first mistook the strange maneuver for a retreat, but was undeceived by the deadly fire, which they at once began to pour from their cover in the cut." Dawes loses ten men carrying the colors, and nearly half of all available officers. "Men were dying in the twenties and thirties, but still, the boys crowded around the colors, and went forward." Finally, after withstanding the flame of death that was being directed at the Badgers, the rebel flag was within reach, and a horrific melee ensued in the cut. "Corporal Egelston seized the rebel battle flag, but was struck, and fell, mortally wounded. Private Anderson, furious at the shooting of his comrade, with a terrific blow split the skull of the rebel who had shot young Egelston." After several minutes of deadly melee, Corporal Francis A. Waller seized the colors of the 2nd Mississippi, and held it aloft, compelling most of the rebels to surrender, and cease their fighting. The Wisconsinites would hold their position in the railroad cut, until ordered to retreat with the rest of the 1st Corp and the Iron Brigade. The 6th would take positions on Culps Hill with the rest of the Brigade, and would partake in a nighttime attack to retake some earthworks previously occupied by Federals. 168 Badgers would lose their lives at the

Battle of Gettysburg The Battle of Gettysburg () was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, by Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. In the battle, Union Major General George Meade's Army of the Po ...

, with most of all available officers put out of duty. After Gettysburg, the Brigade would be briefly joined by the 167th Pennsylvania, who, convinced that their enlistments had expired, refused to march. As a result, the Brigade was ordered to shoot the unruly Pennsylvanians, who quickly went into line, with little to no doubt in their mind that the hardened veterans of the Iron Brigade would not hesitate to shoot them, the 6th was ordered to march behind the 167th at bayonet point, with orders to shoot anyone who fell out of line. The Iron Brigade would see service in the

Overland Campaign The Overland Campaign, also known as Grant's Overland Campaign and the Wilderness Campaign, was a series of battles fought in Virginia during May and June 1864, in the American Civil War. Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, general-in-chief of all Union ...

of 64', fighting in the

Battle Of The Wilderness The Battle of the Wilderness was fought on May 5–7, 1864, during the American Civil War. It was the first battle of Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant's 1864 Virginia Overland Campaign against General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Arm ...

the 6th, along with the rest of the Brigade, would assault Confederate lines on May 5th. The Brigade would gain initial success, however, they would advance unsupported, and as a result their lines would be flanked. As a result of heavy pressure the Brigade would retreat in disorder, unexpected for a veteran Brigade of their status. During the subsequent Battle Of Spotyslvania Court House, the 6th would once again assault Rebel earthworks at Laurel Hill, and then again at the

Cold Harbor The Battle of Cold Harbor was fought during the American Civil War near Mechanicsville, Virginia, from May 31 to June 12, 1864, with the most significant fighting occurring on June 3. It was one of the final battles of Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S ...

. Total losses for the Badgers during the Overland Campaign would add up to 140. The 6th Wisconsin and the rest of the Iron Brigade would see service during the

siege of Petersburg The Richmond–Petersburg campaign was a series of battles around Petersburg, Virginia, fought from June 9, 1864, to March 25, 1865, during the American Civil War. Although it is more popularly known as the Siege of Petersburg, it was not a cla ...

and at the battle of Weldon Railroad (or Globe Tavern). The regiment would see considerable service till the end of the war. The American Soldier, 1862 - by H

The regiment participated in the

Grand Review of the Armies The Grand Review of the Armies was a military procession and celebration in the national capital city of Washington, D.C., on May 23–24, 1865, following the Union victory in the American Civil War (1861–1865). Elements of the Union Army in the ...

on May 23, 1865, and then mustered out at

Louisville, Kentucky Louisville ( , , ) is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 28th most-populous city in the United States. Louisville is the historical seat and, since 2003, the nominal seat of Jefferson County, on the Indiana border ...

, on July 2, 1865.

Total enlistments and casualties

The 6th Wisconsin Infantry initially mustered 1,029 men and later recruited an additional 601 men, for a total of 1,630 men. The regiment lost 16 officers and 228 enlisted men killed in action or who later died of their wounds, plus another 1 officer and 112 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 357 fatalities.Civil War Archive
/ref>

Commanders

Colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of ...

Lysander Cutler Lysander Cutler (February 16, 1807July 30, 1866) was an American businessman, educator, politician, and Union Army General during the American Civil War. Early years Cutler was born in Royalston, Massachusetts, the son of a farmer. Despite object ...

(May 28, 1861November 29, 1862) was promoted to

brigadier general Brigadier general or Brigade general is a military rank used in many countries. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries. The rank is usually above a colonel, and below a major general or divisional general. When appointed ...

, commanded the

. He served through nearly the entire war and received an honorary brevet to

major general Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...

. * Colonel

Edward S. Bragg Edward Stuyvesant Bragg (February 20, 1827June 20, 1912) was an American politician, lawyer, soldier, and diplomat. He was an accomplished Union Army officer in the American Civil War and served four terms in the United States House of Represent ...

(March 10, 1863June 25, 1864) began the war as captain of Co. E. He was later promoted to brigadier general and commanded the Iron Brigade. After the war he became a

U.S. congressman The United States House of Representatives, often referred to as the House of Representatives, the U.S. House, or simply the House, is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, with the Senate being the upper chamber. Together they ...

and U.S. minister to Mexico. * Colonel

(July 5, 1864August 9, 1864) began the war as captain of Co. K, and was acting commander of the regiment at the

. He mustered out at the end of his three-year enlistment and received an honorary brevet to brigadier general. After the war, he served as a U.S. congressman and wrote an extensive memoir of his Civil War service. His son,

Charles G. Dawes Charles Gates Dawes (August 27, 1865 – April 23, 1951) was an American banker, general, diplomat, composer, and Republican politician who was the 30th vice president of the United States from 1925 to 1929 under Calvin Coolidge. He was a co-reci ...

, was the 30th vice president of the United States. * Colonel

John Azor Kellogg John Azor Kellogg (March 16, 1828February 10, 1883) was an American lawyer, politician, and Union Army officer from Wisconsin. He was one of the founders of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party. Early life Born in Bethany, Penns ...

(December 10, 1864July 14, 1865) began the war as 1st lieutenant of Co. K, and served as adjutant to the brigade commander in 1863 and was a prisoner of war for several months in 1864. He mustered out with the regiment at the end of the war and received an honorary brevet to brigadier general. After the war, he served in the Wisconsin State Senate and wrote a memoir of his time as a prisoner of war.

Notable people

File:RRDawes.jpg, Rufus Dawes File:COL John A. Kellogg.png, John A. Kellogg File:JohnJJenkins.jpg, John J. Jenkins File:Benjamin J. Sweet.jpg, Benjamin J. Sweet * Oscar Bartlett, assistant surgeon, later became chief surgeon for the

3rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment The 3rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Service The 3rd Wisconsin assembled at Camp Hamilton, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and mustered into Federal service on June ...

. Resigned due to disability. Before the war, he had served in the Wisconsin Legislature. *

Francis A. Deleglise Francis Augustine Deleglise (February 10, 1835March 25, 1894) was a Swiss American immigrant, surveyor, and businessman. He was one of the first settlers at what is now Antigo, Wisconsin, and he represented Florence, Forest, and Langlade counti ...

was a corporal in Co. E and was wounded at Antietam and Gettysburg. After the war he served as a Wisconsin state legislator and was a founder of

Antigo, Wisconsin Antigo ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Langlade County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 8,100 at the 2020 census. Antigo is the center of a farming and lumbering district, and its manufactures consist principally of lumber, ...

. * Daniel J. Dill, captain of Co. B, later became colonel of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. After the war served as a Wisconsin state legislator. * John C. Hall, chief surgeon, later served as a Wisconsin state senator. *

Frank A. Haskell Franklin Aretas Haskell (July 13, 1828June 3, 1864) was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War and was killed at the Battle of Cold Harbor. Haskell wrote a famous account of the Battle of Gettysburg that was published posthumously. ...

, adjutant, became adjutant and staff aide to General

John Gibbon John Gibbon (April 20, 1827 – February 6, 1896) was a career United States Army officer who fought in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. Early life Gibbon was born in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the fourt ...

, later commissioned colonel of the 36th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, killed in action at Cold Harbor. * John J. Jenkins was a private in Co. A. Later in life, he became a seven-term U.S. congressman and a federal judge. *

Robert Lees Robert Lees (July 10, 1912 – June 13, 2004) was an American television and film screenwriter. Lees was best known for writing comedy, including several Abbott and Costello films. Life and career Born in San Francisco, California, Lees ...

, private in Co. H, later became first sergeant, wounded at Gettysburg. After the war served as a Wisconsin state senator and county judge. * James R. Lyon, initially managed a supply wagon, later became a private in Co. I. After the war served as a Wisconsin state legislator. * Adam Gale Malloy, captain of Co. A, later became colonel of the 17th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment and received an honorary

brevet Brevet may refer to: Military * Brevet (military), higher rank that rewards merit or gallantry, but without higher pay * Brevet d'état-major, a military distinction in France and Belgium awarded to officers passing military staff college * Aircre ...

to brigadier general. * George Davis McDill, private and corporal in Co. I, later became captain of Co. K in the 37th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. After the war served as a Wisconsin state legislator. * Albert T. Morgan was captain of Co. H near the end of the war. He previously served as captain of Co. B in the "independent battalion" remnant of the

2nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment The 2nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It spent most of the war as a member of the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac. It suffered the largest number ...

, which was absorbed into the 6th Wisconsin Infantry in November 1864. He received a double-honorary brevet to lieutenant colonel at the end of the war. After the war, he was a Mississippi state senator and wrote a memoir of his experiences in the reconstruction-era south. * David K. Noyes, first lieutenant and captain in Co. A, severely wounded at Antietam. Later served as lieutenant colonel of the

49th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment The 49th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Service The 49th Wisconsin was organized at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin, and mustered into federal service ...

. After the war served as a postmaster and newspaper publisher. * Peter Polin was 2nd lieutenant in Co. H, but resigned before the regiment left Wisconsin. He elected posthumously to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1870, having died the day before the election. * John Starks, sergeant in Co. A, was the son of

Argalus Starks Argalus Waldo Starks (March 10, 1804June 28, 1870) was an American farmer, politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served as the 3rd Wisconsin Department of Corrections, State Prison Commissioner of Wisconsin and later served 6 years in the Wiscons ...

. He was badly wounded at Gainesville, later commissioned captain of Co. K,

23rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment The 23rd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Service The 23rd Wisconsin was organized at Madison, Wisconsin, and mustered into Federal service on August 30, 1 ...

, and was mortally wounded at Vicksburg. *

Benjamin Sweet Benjamin Jeffery Sweet (April 24, 1832 – January 1, 1874) was an American lawyer, politician, public administrator, and Union Army officer. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate and a Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Sweet ...

, major and lieutenant colonel, later served as colonel of the

21st Wisconsin Infantry Regiment The 21st Wisconsin Infantry Regiment was a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. They were assigned for their entire war service to XIV Corps, operating in the western theater of the war. Serv ...

and was badly wounded and disabled at Perryville. Given command of the prisoner-of-war camp Camp Douglas. After the war, received an honorary brevet to brigadier general. * John Tester, first lieutenant of Co. H, later served as a Wisconsin state legislator. * Francis A. Wallar was corporal, sergeant, and later 2nd lieutenant in Company I. He was awarded the

Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. ...

for actions at Gettysburg. After the war he was sheriff of Vernon County, Wisconsin. *

Jerome Anthony Watrous Jerome Anthony Watrous (September 6, 1840June 5, 1922) was an American journalist, historian, and soldier. He served with the Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac throughout the American Civil War, and later served one term in the Wisconsin S ...

, private and sergeant in Co. E, commissioned as adjutant of the regiment and received an honorary brevet to captain. After the war served as a Wisconsin state legislator and historian, and served as a U.S. Army officer in the

Spanish–American War , partof = the Philippine Revolution, the decolonization of the Americas, and the Cuban War of Independence , image = Collage infobox for Spanish-American War.jpg , image_size = 300px , caption = (clock ...

Service

Total enlistments and casualties

Commanders

Notable people

See also

References

Further reading