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.
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