 The Iron Brigade
A cache by 501_Gang Hidden: 7/27/2007
Size:  (Small) Difficulty:  Terrain:  (1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
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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.
** 9-1-08, Changed container to a Decon
Container. Please make sure you click it tight to keep it
waterproof.**
The cache container is an over sized pill bottle able to accept
small to medium trade items.
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2 user(s) watching this cache.
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