The Iron Brigade Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

-allenite-: As there has been no response from owner regarding my previous note, I'm archiving this cache. Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

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Hidden : 7/27/2007
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


The Iron Brigade
The Civil War's "Best Fighting Brigade"




The Iron Brigade was an infantry brigade in the Union Army during the American Civil War, consisting primarily of Western regiments, that was noted for its ability to withstand almost any fire, and its regiments combined took the highest casualty percentage of the war.

The Iron Brigade initially consisted of the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiments, along with the 19th Indiana, and was later joined by the 24th Michigan. This led it to be sometimes referred to as the Iron Brigade of the West. Also, due to the black Hardee hats that the brigade wore (along with other units in I Corps), they were known early in the war as the Black Hats.

The all-Western brigade earned its famous nickname while under the command of Brigadier General John Gibbon, who led the brigade in its first fight at Brawner's Farm during the Second Battle of Bull Run, where it stood up against Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's forces. The designation "Iron Brigade" originated at the battle for the gaps of South Mountain, the prelude to the Battle of Antietam. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, commanding I Corps, approached Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, seeking orders. McClellan asked, "What troops are those fighting in the Pike?" Hooker replied, "[Brigadier] General Gibbon's brigade of Western men." McClellan stated, "They must be made of iron." Hooker said that the brigade had performed even more superbly at Second Bull Run; to this, McClellan said that the brigade consisted of the "best troops in the world." Hooker became very elated and rode off with his orders; afterward, the name "Iron Brigade" stuck.

The Iron Brigade was activated on October 1, 1861, upon the arrival in Washington, D.C., of the 7th Wisconsin. The regiments in the original Iron Brigade were the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin, and the 19th Indiana. The brigade fought under the I Corps starting in 1862, when the Army of the Potomac was reorganized under Major General George B. McClellan. The 24th Michigan joined the brigade prior to the Battle of Fredericksburg. The brigade commanders, disregarding temporary assignments, were:

- Brig. Gen. Rufus King: September 28, 1861 – May 7, 1862

- Brig. Gen. John Gibbon: May 7, 1862 – November 4, 1862

- Brig. Gen. Solomon Meredith: November 25, 1862 – July 1, 1863

For more on the Iron Brigade see: Wikipedia or Iron Brigade home page


The cache is hidden at the Michigan Welcome center. This is one of the best Welcome Center/ Rest Areas we have visited. There is plenty to do while stretching your legs. There is a play area for the kids, a dog walk, picnic areas, WIFI access and plenty of room to run around. Parking is available for cars and for truckers.


1-31-15 Changed to a Bison tube, BYOP

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