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One of the most famous units from either side, the Iron Brigade or the Black Hat Brigade suffered the highest percentage of casualties of any Union brigade during the Civil War. The Iron Brigade was originally composed of the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin and the 19th Indiana - the 24th Michigan joined shortly after Antietam in 1862. With a name like the Iron Brigade to live up to, this all-Western unit was always in the thick of the fighting which helps to explain their terrible losses during the war. ``The Calico Boys'' of the 6th Wisconsin more than held their own, ending up tenth on the death list of all Union regiments with 244. The 6th Wisconsin was mustered into Federal service in 1861 and served throughout the war. As members of the Iron Brigade, the 6th Wisconsin was involved in all of the battles of the Army of the Potomac after Gainesville or Brawner Farm in August, 1862.
Once a month or so (except in December) there's a re-enactment somewhere (we travel all over California). Imagine a picnic with guns. In the day time, it's 1862 and we shoot the traitors in gray, but at night, it's a camping trip. There's over 100,000 Civil War re-enactors nationwide - so this is a family hobby, and we're not talking about the Manson Family, either.
So why the 6th Wisconsin? Several reasons. The 6th Wisconsin (and the 7th) have a history that spanned the entire war. The other Iron Brigade regiments were mustered out in 1864, or in the case of the 24th Michigan, was withdrawn from the front, while the 6th and the 7th reenlisted in 1864 for the duration of the conflict and were present at Appomattox when Lee surrendered.
The 6th Wisconsin suffered its greatest one day loss in the Cornfield at Antietam in September 17, 1862. But ten months later at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, the impetuous charge by the 6th on the Railroad Cut, not only prevented the entire Union line from being flanked, but gained valuable time for the Yankees to hold the rebels off the rest of the day. This action allowed the remainder of the Army of the Potomac to arrive on the field and occupy the high ground from where they beat back repeated Confederate attacks the next two days, and ultimately won the battle and the war.
Did you see the movie ``Gettysburg''? Did you see the Iron Brigade's heroics in the film? Me, either. Fact is though, without the gallantry of the Black Hats, we'd all be saying y'all about now.
If you've ever considered becoming a re-enactor and aren't one of those gray back traitors, then why not join the best? That would be the Iron Brigade. As a member of the 6th Wisconsin you will obviously dress better than your basic generic Yankee. We wear the wide-brimmed Black Hat, the long 9-button frock coat and white leggings. Not only does it look cool, but this is one of the few occasions that men actually compliment one another on their clothes. Plus, you're set for Halloween for life.
As a member of Company B 6th Wisconsin, you will be taught how to drill, how to fire a rifle musket, and how to chase those inbred rebs back to where they came from. What follows is a list of our upcoming events; if interested show up and talk to one of the Black Hats, or drop a line or e-mail to the address listed below. Often, we have loaner equipment for new guys, but first show up and see what you think. There are Iron Brigade regiments all over the nation, but we are the only Black Hat unit in Southern California. Unless you're a real weirdo and really like to drive, consider the Black Hat unit closest geographically to you. There are plenty of links on the net to hook you up with your nearest Iron Brigade company. Down with the rebellion - long live the Union!
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