Iron Brigade

Iron Brigade
Unit name	Iron Brigade
Caption	Black Hat insignia
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Brigade
Command structure	Army of the Potomac
Garrison	Washington, D.C.
Nickname	The Iron Brigade of the West
Battles	American Civil War, Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Mine Run

Iron Brigade. The Iron Brigade, also known as the Black Hat Brigade, was a brigade in the Union Army during the American Civil War, consisting of regiments from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The brigade was formed in 1861 and played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, and Battle of Gettysburg, alongside other notable units such as the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment and the 14th Brooklyn Regiment. The Iron Brigade was known for its distinctive black hat uniform, which was worn by soldiers from the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and other regiments.

Introduction

The Iron Brigade was a unique unit in the Union Army, with a strong sense of identity and camaraderie among its soldiers, who were largely from the Midwest and had been recruited by Governor Louis P. Harvey of Wisconsin and Governor Oliver P. Morton of Indiana. The brigade was formed in 1861, with the goal of creating a strong and cohesive fighting force that could represent the interests of the Northwestern United States in the war effort, alongside other notable units such as the Iron Brigade of the West and the Western Army. The Iron Brigade was led by several notable commanders, including Rufus King, Gibson Burrell, and Solomon Meredith, who played important roles in shaping the brigade's identity and leading it into battle against Confederate Army units such as the Stonewall Brigade and the Texas Brigade.

History

The Iron Brigade was formed in 1861, with the first regiments arriving in Washington, D.C. in July of that year, where they were mustered into service by President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of War Simon Cameron. The brigade was initially composed of the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, as well as the 19th Indiana Infantry Regiment and the 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment, which were recruited by Governor Austin Blair of Michigan and Governor Richard Yates of Illinois. Over the course of the war, the brigade would see action in several key battles and campaigns, including the First Battle of Bull Run, Battle of Antietam, and Battle of Chancellorsville, alongside other notable units such as the V Corps (Union Army) and the XI Corps (Union Army).

Organization

The Iron Brigade was organized into several regiments, each with its own unique identity and history, including the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was recruited by Colonel Lucius Fairchild and Governor Louis P. Harvey of Wisconsin. The brigade was led by a series of commanders, including Rufus King, Gibson Burrell, and Solomon Meredith, who played important roles in shaping the brigade's identity and leading it into battle against Confederate Army units such as the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of Tennessee. The Iron Brigade was also supported by several notable staff officers, including Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott and Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs, who played important roles in supplying and equipping the brigade for battle.

Battles_and_campaigns

The Iron Brigade saw action in several key battles and campaigns during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, where the brigade suffered heavy casualties alongside other notable units such as the V Corps (Union Army) and the I Corps (Union Army). The brigade also played a significant role in the Battle of Chancellorsville, where it was part of the XI Corps (Union Army) and fought against the Stonewall Brigade and the Texas Brigade. In addition, the Iron Brigade was present at the Battle of Gettysburg, where it fought alongside other notable units such as the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment and the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, and played a key role in repelling the Pickett's Charge.

Legacy

The Iron Brigade has a lasting legacy in American history, with its bravery and sacrifice remembered as an important part of the Union Army's efforts during the American Civil War. The brigade's distinctive black hat uniform has become an iconic symbol of the war, alongside other notable symbols such as the Stars and Stripes and the Confederate flag. The Iron Brigade has also been commemorated in several monuments and memorials, including the Iron Brigade Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park and the Wisconsin Monument at Antietam National Battlefield, which were dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge and President Herbert Hoover.

Notable_members

The Iron Brigade had several notable members, including Rufus King, who served as the brigade's first commander, and Solomon Meredith, who led the brigade during the Battle of Gettysburg and was wounded in action alongside other notable officers such as Colonel Lucius Fairchild and Colonel Edward S. Bragg. The brigade also included several notable soldiers, such as Private Jeremiah Sullivan, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Gettysburg, and Sergeant Alonzo Cushing, who was killed in action during the Battle of Gettysburg and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama.

Category:American Civil War