Legislation cosponsored on Feb. 11 by U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) would authorize two new Civil War memorials at national battlefields to honor Wisconsin infantry soldiers who fought in the Battle of Antietam and the Second Battle of Bull Run.
“The bravery demonstrated by Wisconsin’s Union Soldiers at the site of the Civil War’s fiercest fighting should be permanently recognized,” Rep. Steil said. “These monuments will honor the sacrifice of Wisconsin soldiers in protecting our nation, securing liberty for all Americans, and will preserve their legacy for future generations.”
H.R. 7495, which five other Republicans helped introduce, would authorize memorials at Antietam National Battlefield and Manassas National Battlefield Park to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Infantry Regiments during the Civil War.
In August 1862, General Stonewall Jackson and Confederate forces surrounded Union General John Pope and his men on their return to Washington. Among the Union units were the Second, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Infantry Regiments.
As the Union troops advanced toward Gainesville, Wisconsin’s Second Regiment was brought under fire by an enemy artillery battery. Despite being severely outnumbered, the Second regiment charged the Confederate troops before later being supported by the Seventh and Sixth regiments.
After hours of fighting and standing firm, Union leaders ordered the men back. The 515 men from Wisconsin who entered the fight were killed, wounded, or remained missing, according to information provided by Rep. Steil’s office.
Later, on Sept. 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam stopped the Confederate Army’s first invasion of the North and helped give President Abraham Lincoln confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation mere days after the battle.
Among the brave soldiers who fought in the deadliest one-day battle in American military history were officers and enlisted men from the Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Infantry Regiments. Four of these regiments fought in the cornfield at Antietam, while the Fifth regiment was held in reserve to support artillery efforts.
H.R. 7495 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.