The Iron Brigade --- WISCONSIN MADE

I came across an article on the Wisconsin Historical Society's web site, http://preview.wisconsinhistory.org/Content.aspx?dsNav=N:4294963828-4294963805&dsRecordDetails=R:CS3355/, detailing the Civil War triumphs of Wisconsin's most famous group of soldiers, the Iron Brigade.

The Iron Brigade included units from Indiana, Michigan and a section of the U.S. Military Light Artillery, but the majority of its members were from the great state of Wisconsin as its 2nd, 6th and 17th infantry regiments led charges for the Union in several crucial battles.

ON WISCONSIN! (Courtesy of ironbrigade.net)

Even to this day, I like to think that the origin of the nickname 'Iron Brigade' reveals the core qualities that make the citizens of Wisconsin so special.

The name "Iron Brigade" came from a remark made by Gen. George McClellan when he saw the brigade advancing under a murderous fire. He was told, "It is Gibbon's Wisconsin brigade." "They must be made of iron," McClellan replied, and the name stuck.

General George McClellan (courtesy of http://jarosebrock.wordpress.com/union/henry-halleck/george-b-mcclellan-draft/)

It is that kind of toughness that sets Wisconsin apart. And the serves a precursor that the people of Wisconsin will keep persevering and advancing forward no matter which obstacles are in their way, whether it is heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures or a budget crisis.

The Iron Brigade fought in two of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War: Antietam and Gettysburg. If the people of Wisconsin can make it through that then a rough winter suddenly doesn't seem so bad.

And they say history is for nerds ...

Well, I am a nerd, but not because I like history. Were you aware that the owner of the Blatz Brewery, Valentin Blatz, was born on this date in 1862?

According to the Wisconsin Historical Society (http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/thisday/?action=search&month=10&day=1), Blatz was born in Miltenberg-on-the-Main, Bavaria, came to New York City in August of 1848 and then arrived in Milwaukee in 1849, where he founded one of the most well-known cheap-beer producers the Midwest has ever seen.

Blatz has evolved into a cultural icon right up there with Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Beast (Milwaukee's Best) and Natty Ice, so be sure to tip one back for good old Valentin and be thankful advertising for beer has progressed somewhat from the add below from http://milwaukeebreweries.wikispaces.com/Images:

First of all, I must be getting punked ... There's no way this add is real. But let's dissect it for comedic value any way, shall we?

'How Mother and Baby "Picked Up": What better way to get the whole family through a tough day than some Blatz?

"A case of Blatz Beer in your home means much to the young mother, and obviously baby participates in its benefits": A sixer just won't cut it. The wife and baby need a case. And perhaps my favorite part: "and OBVIOUSLY baby participates in its benefits." So let's get the whole family trashed ... errgghhh, I mean ... participating in the nutritional value of Blatz beer.

"The malt in the beer supplies nourishing qualities that are essential at this time and the hops act as an appetizing, stimulating tonic."

The kids these days have some crazy slang, but "nourishing qualities" has to rank right up there ...