Wisconsin in
the Civil War

Everyone agreed that a crisis was looming. The economy and slavery had been hot issues since shortly
after the Revolutionary War. For 85 years Northern and Southern States had been debating the reach of
the Federal Government and the role that slavery should have in American Society.
At 4:30a.m. on April 12, 1861 the first shots were fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston
Harbor, ushering in a war that would forever change the fledgling United States. Wisconsinites rallied to
the newly elected President Lincoln’s call to arms shortly after South Carolina seceded from the Union.
Nearly 92,000 of our state's citizens left their homes and volunteered for service in what was then called
the War of Rebellion. They composed regiments in the well-known Iron Brigade, remembered in history
for their bravery, although also for suffering the most casualties. Wisconsin soldiers fought at notable
battles such as Bull Run, Antietam, Shiloh, and Gettysburg. Wisconsin soldiers were even there at the
Battle of Appomattox Court House and the subsequent surrender of Robert E. Lee and the Confederates.

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Wisconsin in the Civil War is a celebration of these brave citizens’ efforts to protect the Constitution, to
end slavery, and to preserve our nation. A collaboration between local collectors and the museum, the
exhibit showcases artifacts from private collections never before on public display.

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View rarely seen authentic artifacts including firearms, swords, currency, uniforms and more!

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