Why another book on the Iron Brigade? Because this is really the first book on this storied outfit-and it could not have been written without the lifetime of study undertaken by award-winning author Lance J. More than a standard military account, Herdegen's latest puts flesh and faces on the men who sat around the campfires, marched through mud and snow and dust, Why another book on the Iron Brigade? Because this is really the first book on this storied outfit-and it could not have been written without the lifetime of study undertaken by award-winning author Lance J. More than a standard military account, Herdegen's latest puts flesh and faces on the men who sat around the campfires, marched through mud and snow and dust, fought to put down the rebellion, and recorded much of what they did and witnessed for posterity.The Iron Brigade is one of the most celebrated military organizations of the American Civil War. Although primarily known and studied because of its remarkable stand on the first bloody day at Gettysburg, its stellar service during the earliest days of the war and from the Wilderness to Appomattox has been routinely slighted.
Partridge, George Washington, 1839-1863. Letters from the Iron Brigade: George Washington Partridge, Jr., 1839-1863: Civil War letters to his sister/ edited by Hugh L. Indianapolis: Guild Press of Indiana, 1994. Includes bibliographical references and index. The Civil War's 'Best Fighting Brigade' This site is dedicated to the men of the Iron Brigade. The majority of the Iron Brigade was composed of young men from Wisconsin. Three regiments from Wisconsin and one from Indiana were formed in to the best known fighting brigade in the Army of the Potomac.
Herdegen has finally rectified this historical anomaly with his The Iron Brigade in Civil War and Memory. Composed originally of the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, and Battery B of the 4th U.S. Artillery, the brigade first attracted attention as the only all-Western organization serving in the Eastern Theater. The Regular Army's distinctive felt dress hat earned them the nickname 'Black Hat Brigade.' The Westerners took part in the fighting at Gainesville (Brawner's Farm), Second Bull Run, South Mountain (where General McClellan claimed he gave them their famous 'Iron Brigade' moniker), and Antietam. Reinforced by the 24th Michigan, the Black Hats fought at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
But it was at Gettysburg on July 1 where the brigade immortalized a railroad cut and helped save the high ground west of town that proved decisive, but was nearly destroyed for its brave stand. Reorganizations, expired enlistments, and different duties split up the famous outfit, but some of the regiments fought on through the Wilderness to Petersburg and finally, Appomattox. Only when the war was ended did the Western boys finally go home.Herdegen's magnificent The Iron Brigade in Civil War and Memory, sure to be looked upon as his magnum opus, is based on decades of archival research and includes scores of previously unpublished letters, photos, journals, and other primary accounts. This well researched and written tour de force, which includes reunion and memorial coverage until the final expiration of the last surviving member, will be the last word on the Iron Brigade for the foreseeable future.When we were young, explained one Black Hat veteran many years after the war, we hardly realized that we 'had fought on more fields of battle than the Old Guard of Napoleon, and have stood fire in far greater firmness.' Here, at long last, is the full story of how young farm boys, shopkeepers, river men, and piney camp boys in a brigade forged with iron helped save the Union.About the Author:Award-winning journalist Lance J. Herdegen is the former director of the Institute of Civil War Studies at Carroll University.
He previously worked as a reporter and editor for the United Press International (UPI) news service covering national politics and civil rights and presently works as historical consultant for the Civil War Museum of the Upper Middle West. Herdegen is the author of many articles and is regarded around the world as the authority on the Iron Brigade. His many book credits include Those Damned Black Hats!: The Iron Brigade in the Gettysburg Campaign; Four Years with the Iron Brigade: The Civil War Journal of William R. Ray, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers; The Men Stood Like Iron: How the Iron Brigade Won its Name, and In the Bloody Railroad Cut at Gettysburg.Reviews:'Lance Herdegen's The Iron Brigade in Civil War and Memory is the first book-length treatment of this famous fighting unit from the first days of the war until the final drum roll at Appomattox. Herdegen is the leading authority on this legendary command. His compelling narrative, buttressed with solid research that utilizes many previously untapped sources, moves along with a pace akin to an action movie.
It also examines the changing social face of the war as Native Americans and runaway slaves go into the ranks of the Black Hat Brigade. This is a book that had to be written. It has been by the only person who could do it.' - Ted Alexander, Chief Historian, Antietam National Battlefield'Alan Nolan's The Iron Brigade has been the standard work on this famous unit for fifty years. Esteemed historian Lance Herdegen has now supplanted that work with this first comprehensive, scholarly treatment of the Iron Brigade. Herdegen, the recognized expert of this famous unit, builds upon an impressive foundation of fresh primary source material.
This work brings the fighting men of the Iron Brigade to life as never before. Herdegen follows the brigade from its earliest inception to the surrender at Appomattox. Written in a flowing, narrative style that does not sacrifice detail, this important work is both a definitive history and a pleasure to read. The Iron Brigade in Civil War and Memory: The Black Hats from Bull Run to Appomattox and Thereafter is destined to be the standard for the next fifty years.'
Girardi, author and historian'Lance Herdegen is the preeminent living Civil War historian on 'those damned black hats.' His years of research and unparalleled knowledge of the Iron Brigade are clearly evident in this definitive study of an outstanding Union command. I recommend this book without reservation.' Wert, author, A Glorious Army: Robert E. Lee's Triumph, 1862-1863. I have previously read two good books focusing on the Army of the Potomac's Iron Brigade (the First Brigade of the First Division of the First Corps at Gettysburg-a designation that filled many of the Black Hats with pride). One, by Nolan, is the classic.
The other, a comparative work examining the Iron Brigade and the Stonewall Brigade (of the Confederacy).This book had access to more records and sources than Nolan's. Thus, the volume has more depth. Also, Nolan's work (and others') tend to I have previously read two good books focusing on the Army of the Potomac's Iron Brigade (the First Brigade of the First Division of the First Corps at Gettysburg-a designation that filled many of the Black Hats with pride).
One, by Nolan, is the classic. The other, a comparative work examining the Iron Brigade and the Stonewall Brigade (of the Confederacy).This book had access to more records and sources than Nolan's. Thus, the volume has more depth.
Also, Nolan's work (and others') tend to focus on the unit up until the battle of Gettysburg-with much less coverage thereafter. This book makes a terrific contribution by considering in detail the role of the remnants of the Brigade after Gettysburg to Appomattox Court House.The Iron Brigade, originally, consisted of four regiments-three from Wisconsin (2nd, 6th, and 7th Regiments) and one from Indiana (the 19th Regiment). After the Brigade was decimated by Brawner's Farm (at Second Manassas), where they stood toe to toe with the Stonewall Brigade and gave as well as they got, South Mountain, and Antietam, the original brigades had the 24th Michigan added to the Brigade.
The soldiers all took pride in being a 'Western' outfit-the only fully Western brigade in the Army of the Potomac.They were called the Black Hats when they began to wear the tall Hardee hats. Originally, called the Black Hat Brigade, they became known as the Iron Brigade, apparently as a result of their valor at South Mountain, just before the battle at Antietam.The point at which most volumes slow done is Gettysburg. The Iron Brigade arrived at a critical moment and stopped cold an assault by a brigade from the Army of Northern Virginia. However, the weight of numbers-with Confederate forces outnumbering Union troops-told and the Iron Brigade was 'used up' trying to hold ground.
They did play a further role at Gettysburg.But after that? Eastern troops were added to the Brigade to bring its numbers up, and it lost its role as a Western force.
The book then takes us through the Brigade's work after Gettysburg-from the Wilderness to Appomattox Court House.The book provides valuable detail on the Brigade-with many photographs and with the fate of many of the troops being revealed. The Brigade lost a large percentage of its cohort, partially a result of the valor of the troops.Want to know about the Iron Brigade of the West?
Then take a look at this book. Move over Alan Nolan.
This is a new classic telling of the storied Iron Brigade of the West. Alan Nolan set the bar high fifty years ago, but with respect, Lance Herdegen has set the bar even higher. This book was deeply researched and elegantly written. Herdegen goes further than Mr. Nolan, following the Iron Brigade from its initial conception; mustering in and deployment; through its early training and eagerness to join the fight; to its first real test - a stand-up, give-no-quarter, Move over Alan Nolan.
This is a new classic telling of the storied Iron Brigade of the West. Alan Nolan set the bar high fifty years ago, but with respect, Lance Herdegen has set the bar even higher. This book was deeply researched and elegantly written. Herdegen goes further than Mr. Nolan, following the Iron Brigade from its initial conception; mustering in and deployment; through its early training and eagerness to join the fight; to its first real test - a stand-up, give-no-quarter, shoot-as-fast-as-you-can-fire-and-reload, fight at Brawner's Farm against Stonewall Jackson's famous brigade; and beyond its stand at Gettysburg that decimated the brigade but gave the Union Army time to take the high ground at Cemetery Ridge.
Eastern Iron Brigade | |
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The 'Eastern Iron Brigade' also, known later as the 'Iron Brigade of the East', to distinguish the unit, from the more, well known 'Iron Brigade of the West' was a brigade of infantry, that served in the Union Army's Army of the Potomac, during the American Civil War. Shown is a Veteran's Medal, for the Eastern Iron Brigade, which had a red circle, in the middle, to symbolize the Brigade's regiments connection, to the 1st Division, I Corps, of the Army of the Potomac and that they were the 'First Iron Brigade', to be formed, at the beginning of the War. | |
Active | 1861-1863 |
Country | United States |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch | Union ArmyU.S. Volunteers |
Type | infantry |
Size | Five regiments: 14th Regiment New York State Militia (14th Brooklyn Chasseurs) 2nd United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiment |
Nickname(s) | Iron Brigade of the East, First Iron Brigade |
Engagements | American Civil War |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | General John P. Hatch General Walter Phelps Jr. Brig. Gen.Christopher C. Augur |
The 'Iron Brigade of the East', was a part of the Union Army, Army of the Potomac's 1st Division, I Corps, shown as a red circle emblem on the Corps' flag, looking very similar to, the red sun, on the modern flag of Japan.
The Eastern Iron Brigade, also known as the Iron Brigade of the East and First Iron Brigade, was a brigade of infantry, that served in the Union Army's Army of the Potomac, during the American Civil War. For much of its service, it was designated as the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, I Corps. Among its commanding officers were General John P. Hatch and General Walter Phelps Jr.. Noted for its reliability in battle, the brigade developed a reputation which remained after it was disbanded late in the war, due to its annihilation from extremely high casualties.
Origin of Eastern Iron Brigade[edit]
The Eastern Iron Brigade consisted of the 22nd New York, 24th New York, 30th New York, 14th Regiment (New York State Militia), and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters. During the Fredericksburg Expeditions the brigade had two cavalry regiments attached to it, the 2nd New York Cavalry Regiment ('Harris Light') under the command of Lt. Col.Judson Kilpatrick (originally of 5th New YorkZouaves) and the 6th New York Cavalry. The pair of cavalry regiments were later sent back to their normal divisions.[citation needed]
The veteran brigade, under Col.Walter Phelps, received its nickname when Brig. Gen.Christopher C. Augur began a campaign near and around Fredericksburg, Virginia, from April 16 to July 23, 1862. After the Fredericksburg Expeditions, Brig. Gen. Marsena R. Patrick commented to Augur: 'Your men must be made of iron to make such marches.' The men of the 1st Brigade adopted this well-received nickname. From then on they were known as the 'Iron Brigade,' and then later as the 'Eastern Iron Brigade.'
During the famous march from Catlett's Station to Falmouth Va., April 15th 1862, the First Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps, won the title of the 'Iron Brigade.' It was composed of the Second United States Sharpshooters, Twenty Second, Twenty Fourth, Thirtieth and Eighty-Fourth New York Volunteers the Eighty Fourth as everyone knows, Being the fighting Fourteenth.[clarification needed] The same name was afterward applied to the Second Brigade of the same division.
Colonel Fox in his Losses of the Rebellion said, 'It seems strange that two brigades in the same division should adopt like synonyms, but in justice to Hatch's Brigade, it should be stated that it was the original Iron Brigade.'[citation needed]
The first Iron Brigade, to which the Fourteenth belonged, lost more soldiers through death or injury in one battle (the Second Manassas) than the British Light Brigade did at the Battle of Balaklava, which was immortalized in the famous Tennyson poem.[1]
The men of the Iron Brigade became so enamored with their 'Iron' moniker, that some of the regiments had Iron Brigade placed on their flags, which they carried into battle.[citation needed] The news article below describes an exhibition showing off the battle standard carried by the 24th during the war and in 1865 the flag was displayed proudly after the regiment had been mustered out of service:
The veterans of the old Twenty-Fourth, (first Oswego County) regiment will be pleased to learn that the Flag which they so gallantly followed and so nobly sustained on so many bloody fields, is on exhibition, at the New York Sanitary Fair, in the department of 'Flags, Trophies and Relics'—a mute but eloquent witness of their bravery and patriotism. It was deposited by Col. S. R. BEARDSLEY, and bears upon one side the inscription: '24th Regiment, Iron Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps.'[2]
Battle of South Mountain[edit]
The Iron Brigade was heavily engaged, at the Battle of South Mountain and had just been taken command of by Colonel Walter Phelps Jr of the 22nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment the day of South Mountain. The Iron Brigade received orders to make their advance up the mountain around 4 pm to support General Patrick's brigade in assaulting the confederate positions atop the hill. They were sent in as skirmishers to assist Colonel Patrick's men and then were posted behind a fence awaiting the command to move forward.
Colonel Phelps now ordered his men to advance, and General Hatch rode through the lines, pressing them forward. They went in with a cheer, poured in a deadly fire, and drove the enemy from his position behind the fence, after a short and desperate conflict, and took post some yards beyond.[3]
According to later accounts by Colonel Phelps, the brigade was ordered to move up the mountain and force the confederates away from a fence and take their position:
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officers and men of this brigade for their noble conduct on this occasion. Although the enemy were strongly posted behind a fence, and apparently in larger force than our own troops, they could not withstand the terrific fire and steady veteran advance of my line. The conflict at the fence became desperate, many of the enemy at this time being less than 8 rods in our front, but the undaunted bravery of officers and men enabled me to drive them from their position and capture a number of prisoners. The loss of the brigade at this point was much heavier than at any other on the field.
Having succeeded in forcing the enemy from their position, I advanced my line about 5 rods, where I obtained partial shelter for my men from an abrupt rise of ground. Perceiving that the right of my line extended beyond the enemy's left, I ordered Fourteenth Brooklyn to advance their right, which being done enabled them to enfilade the enemy's ranks with a fire which did great execution. This brigade held its position until relieved by Doubleday's brigade.[4]
The Brigade was noted again for its performance at the battle of South Mountain, as noted by Phelps:
I cannot allow the conduct of Lieutenant Cranford, Fourteenth New York State Militia, and Lieutenant Schenck, Twenty-second New York Volunteers, aides to myself, to pass unnoticed. I was often obliged to send them, through a galling fire, to different parts of the field with orders. Their conduct on this occasion was most gallant, and all that I could have desired. It was the more striking that their line of duty did not require their presence on the field at that time, the former being acting commissary of subsistence, and the latter regimental quartermaster. Captain Monroe, Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, attached to this brigade, now acting chief of division artillery, will forward, at the earliest possible moment, a consolidated report of the casualties in the batteries in the engagements of September 14, 16, and 17.[5]
The Brigade took about 25 percent losses, at South Mountain, out of 400 Officers and Enlisted Men their casualties were Enlisted men killed, 20; commissioned officers wounded, 4; enlisted men wounded, 63; missing, 8. Total, 95.[citation needed]
After Fredericksburg[edit]
After the successful campaign, the brigade mostly did skirmishes and reconnaissance work for the Army of the Potomac. Before the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, the original 1st Brigade, 1st Division, I Corps was disbanded, and all of its regiments were transferred to other brigades or mustered out. Sgt. Major James Mero Matthews of the 2nd USSS wrote in his Journal the day they were transferred out of the First Iron Brigade:
(December 30, 1862)Orders Came Late last night to join Berdan's 1st Regiment. So this morning after taking leave of the Brigade and Colonel Phelps, we left this Old Iron Brigade. Colonel Phelps made a short heartfelt speech and then the brigade stacked arms and took leave of us by shaking hands.[6]
At that time the brigade, under Brig. Gen. Solomon Meredith, which had received considerable press attention as the Iron Brigade since the September 1862 Battle of South Mountain (then under Brig. Gen. John Gibbon), was redesignated 1st Brigade, 1st Division, I Corps. Disputes between the veterans of the two brigades increased in frequency and bitterness. Regiments like the 14th Brooklyn kept up the fight and always reminded their 2nd Iron Brigade Counterparts that the 14th Brooklyn was in fact a member of the First Iron Brigade. The men of the 14th Brooklyn never referred to the First Iron Brigade as the Eastern Iron Brigade because they felt as though they were in fact the first, original Iron Brigade of the East, and were the first and truly original Iron Brigade.[citation needed]
Uniforms[edit]
Weapons[edit]
Historical traces of First Iron Brigade[edit]
Since the American Civil War, much has been forgotten, and the First Iron Brigade was almost lost to past memories. Between 1998 and 2008 much evidence, records and accounts of the actual First Iron Brigade has surfaced.[citation needed] Below are some accounts taken from records and reports from the war itself.
The following statement:
In June the regiment became a part of the 1st brigade, 1st division, 3d corps, Army of Virginia, and in Sept., 1862, the same brigade and division, was made part of the 1st corps, Army of the Potomac. This brigade was known as the Iron Brigade before the Iron Brigade of the West was formed.[7]
Below is the poem written by Captain Austin W Holden of the 24th New York State Infantry:
'The Old Iron Brigade'
From the camp and its now peaceful revels,
The bugles will soon call us forth,
The 'Thirtieth' and 'Red Legged Devils',
'Twenty-second' and the brave 'Twenty-fourth.'
To terror each heart is a stranger,
Tis cowards alone are afraid,
Then on to the front line of danger,
With the gallant old 'Iron Brigade.'[8]
From the camp and its now peaceful revels,
The bugles will soon call us forth,
The 'Thirtieth' and 'Red Legged Devils',
'Twenty-second' and the brave 'Twenty-fourth.'
To terror each heart is a stranger,
Tis cowards alone are afraid,
Then on to the front line of danger,
With the gallant old 'Iron Brigade.'[8]
A report from William Fox of the 107th NY states that:
The brigade that was composed of the 22nd New York, 24th New York, 30th New York, 14th Regiment [New York State Militia], and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters was the first to be called the 'Iron Brigade' because of its brave fighting at South Mountain and Antietam[9]
From the New York Herald, June 2, 1863:
The old 'Iron Brigade' is no more. One by one its regiments have passed through Washington to their homes... The Twenty-fourth and Thirtieth left several days since and their departure and reception at home have already been chronicled. The Twenty-second passed through Washington last night and the Fourteenth remains alone...[10]
Letter From Captain Levi Beardsley upon the 24th New York's Mustering out of Company I:
In common with the gallant '24th,' you have earned distinction, and are well worthy the title of 'braves of the Iron Brigade.' You cheerfully offered your lives upon the altar of our country, and have been consecrated in the blood of fallen comrades. You have gained a name and a reputation of incalculable value, and should be enshrined in the memory of a grateful commonwealth.[11]
Other Union Army and U.S. Army Iron Brigades[edit]
There were and are other Iron Brigades, known to some extent, by the same moniker:
- Another brigade, in the Army of the Potomac, was from three western states and later named the Iron Brigade, famously known as the 'Iron Brigade of the West'. This brigade, composed primarily of units from Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan was also known as 'The Black Hats' and 'Black Hat Brigade'.[citation needed]
- Scholarship[12] identifies two other brigades referred to by their members or others as 'The Iron Brigade':
- 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, III Corps (17th Maine, 3rd Michigan, 5th Michigan, 1st, 37th, and 101st New York)
- Reno's Brigade from the North Carolina expedition (21st and 35th Massachusetts, 51st Pennsylvania, and 51st New York)
- The current Second Brigade, of the U.S. Army's First Armored Division has been known as the 'Iron Brigade' since 1985.[citation needed]
- The current U.S. Army Third Brigade, of the Fourth Infantry Division, is also known as the 'Iron Brigade'.[citation needed]
Confederate Army – Shelby's Iron Brigade[edit]
Shelby's Iron Brigade was a Confederatecavalry brigade also known as the 'Missouri Iron Brigade'. The Confederate Iron Brigade was part of the division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Joseph O. 'Jo' Shelby, in the Army of Arkansas and fought in Maj. Gen. Sterling Price's Missouri Expedition, in 1864.
Post-war veterans[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Tevis, C. V.; D. R. Marquis (1911). The History of the Fighting Fourteenth: Published in Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Muster of the Regiment Into the United States Service, May 23, 1861. New York, NY: Brooklyn Eagle Press.
- ^THE BATTLE FLAG OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH - COMMERCIAL TIMES newspaper, [1] (COMMERCIAL TIMES newspaper April 11th 1865.)
- ^General Abner Doubleday's Official After Action Report South Mounatain,Brig. Gen Abner Doubleday's Official Reports from South Mountain and Antietam
- ^Col. Phelps Official After Action Report South Mountain, [2] (Col Walter Phelps, Jr's Official ReportsReports of September 1862 on South Mountain and Antietam.)
- ^Col. Phelps Official After Action Report South Mountain, [3] (Col Walter Phelps, Jr's Official ReportsReports of September 1862 on South Mountain and Antietam.)
- ^Sgt. Major James Mero Matthews Diary, Soldiers In Green Diary (Soldiers in Green: Civil War Diaries of James Mero Matthews, 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters.)
- ^The Union army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861-65, records of the regiments in the Union army -- cyclopedia of battles -- memoirs of commanders and soldiers. Madison, WI: Federal Pub. Co., 1908
- ^Captain Austin W. Holden, New York State Official Records - 24th New York State Volunteer Infantry
- ^William Fox of the 107th New York, Regimental Losses In the American Civil War 1861–1865
- ^Unknown correspondent, New York Herald. Christian J. Heirdorf Shoulder Arms: Letters and Recollections of the 22nd New York Volunteers and a Community at War 1998 Chapman Historical Museum'
- ^Letter from Captain Levi Beardsley, 24th New York News Paper Clippongs
- ^Clemens, Tom, Will the Real Iron Brigade Please Stand Up? (August 2000 presentation to the Richmond, Virginia, Civil War Round Table.)
- http://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/24thInf/24thInfScribner00Intro.htm - New York State Records (24th NY Reference)
- http://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/22ndInf/22ndInfMain.htm - New York State Records (22nd NY Reference)
- Soldiers In Green - Diary of James Mero Matthews 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters
- The History of the Fighting Fourteenth, Tevis & Marquis
- Regimental Losses in the American Civil War, William F. Fox
- http://14thbrooklyn.info/IRONBRIG.HTM - 14th Brooklyn Historical Association
- The Union army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861–65—records of the regiments in the Union army—cyclopedia of battles—memoirs of commanders and soldiers. Madison, WI: Federal Pub. Co., 1908
External links[edit]
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