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2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry

"For God's Sake, Forward" by Don Troiani
A painting portraying the 2nd and 7th Wisconsin as they enter McPherson's Woods, July 1, 1863.

Welcome to the street of Company H, Second Wisconsin,
The Randall Guards.
 The company was reformed at the end of 1997 by a handful of people who wanted just a little more out of the reenacting hobby.  The members had always had an interest in the Iron Brigade and by coincidence the 2d Wisconsin was chosen to be the focus of the unit.  It was found later that a member actually had a family relation serve in the regiment.


It was decided to depict a regiment on the march or in the middle of a campaign. It was also decided that the company should portray 1862 when the Iron Brigade earned its' sobriquet and showed the Union Army how to fight (Not to mention the gaiters look really cool with the dark blue trousers!). Because of this choice Company H has a distinct look out in California. Most units that we work with have large amounts of tentage and gear, we subscribe to the minimalist theory, less is better. This is not only economically sound, but gives us the "Raggedy Assed" look that we so admire.

Our unit has earned the reputation as "hardcore" by those who would sleep on cots and wear pretty, clean uniforms. We on the other hand do not believe that we are "hardcore", the unit has no "stitch counters" and makes no demands on an individual above their desires and abilities.

We continually are trying to improve our impression and are currently working very hard at perfecting our drill. We eat pretty well at events and have been known to raid an occasional brewery (reference to Voigt's Brewery in Madison, June 1861 - If This Is War, Gaff, Alan. Morningside 1991).  We encourage research and strive for authenticity. We realize that we don't write the book, we only read it, and since we were not there in 1862 our knowledge can only be enlightened.

Another interesting aspect of Company H, is its love of travel.  We have sister units in Washington (7th Wis.), Oregon (19th Ind.), Northern California (24th Mich.) and Southern California (6th Wis.). We are trying to set up schedules to visit these units on a regular basis to bring the Iron Brigade to life on the West Coast. Also, we work as closely as possible with our Regiment in Wisconsin and travel to National and Regional events with them, such as Wisconsin's Sesquicentennial Celebration at Camp Randall and Gettysburg in 1998.

If any of this appeals to you drop us a line and we will be sure to invite you out for a weekend.

"they gave a glamour and a display
both fearful and entrancing"

E.E. Stickley,
Stonewall Jackson Brigade

Join the Iron Brigade! Here's your opportunity to join a
Company of the Second Wisconsin.

You will be joining a Regiment with Companies on the East and West Coasts
Plus 5 Companies in Wisconsin

Join a REGIMENT
7 Companies and Battery B of the 4th US

Your contact for more information:
Steve Bechtold at
blackhat@mlode.com

Here is the link to the parent unit and regimental headquarters for the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Regimental HQ 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry

Here are some links to other 2nd Wisconsin units in the United States.

In Southeast Wisconsin 2nd Wisconsin Company A

In Western Wisconsin 2nd Wisconsin Company B

In VA/MD/PA 2nd Wisconsin Company C

In Fox River Area (Including Michigan's Upper Peninsula) 2nd Wisconsin Company E

In South Central Wisconsin 2nd Wisconsin Company G

In California, San Francisco Area 2nd Wisconsin Company H

In the Madison Area 2nd Wisconsin Company K

Here are the number of visitors

since May 9th, 2000.