WISCONSIN MILITARY HISTORY

The Story of Old Abe
Old Abe was the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.  Chippewa Indians caught the young bird, and was later sold to a farmer who lived north of Chippewa Falls, WI.  The farmer, who felt disgraced that he could not serve in the Civil War, gave Old Abe to the 8th Wisconsin as "a member of his family" who would serve in the war.  The soldiers named the eagle "Old Abe" in honor of president Lincoln, and because Old Abe was an impressive mascot, the unit soon earned the nickname -- the "Eagle Regiment".  During battles, a soldier was placed in charge of protecting Old Abe, who was tied to his perch by a cord.  After the battle, Old Abe was occasionally allowed to soar overhead.  Old Abe had such a motivational effect over the 8th Wisconsin that the Confederates placed a bounty on Old Abe that exceeded most generals.  Old Abe survived the war and was established as a national hero.  At a GAR reunion several years after the war, there was two guests of honor: General Ulysses S. Grant and Old Abe.  Old Abe lived at the state capital until 1881, when a fire broke out in the capital, and Old Abe suffered smoke inhalation, where he died a few weeks later.  Today, the legend of Old Abe lives on.  A memorial to Old Abe is located at Jim Falls, just north of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 

Did you know?
The 101st Airborne Division, located at Fort Cambell, Kentucky, was originally formed in Wisconsin during World War I.  The 101st took on Old Abe as a logo, and thus the legacy of the "Screaming Eagles" was born.