Iron Brigade
The Iron Brigade, was a unit of the Army of the Potomac that participated in the Battle of Gettysburg, among others. In 1863, they were the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, I Corps, under General Reynolds. The brigade was raised from western states and was known as the "Black Hats", for their distinctive hats. They were originally all volunteers.
Gettysburg
[edit | edit source]By the summer of 1863, the Iron Brigade was considered to be very experienced and reliable. It played a pivotal role in securing the high ground during the first day of the battle, on July 1. Union cavalry had been fighting a delaying action, executing a series of tactical withdrawals. The Iron Brigade arrived just in time to secure the high ground. General Reynolds was killed in action while directing the 2nd Wisconsin to clear some woods of rebels. Reportedly, the 2nd Wisconsin attacked to the fife tune "The Campbells are Coming," among others. This was changed in the movie, Gettysburg, to "Hell on the Wabash."