3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment
The 3rd Wisconsin was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
| 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | June 19, 1861, to July 18, 1865 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Engagements | Battle of Front Royal Battle of Cedar Mountain Battle of Antietam Battle of Chancellorsville Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Kennesaw Mountain Battle of Bentonville |
Service
The 3rd Wisconsin assembled at Camp Hamilton, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and mustered into Federal service on June 19, 1861. Its first commander was Col. Charles Smith Hamilton.
The 3rd Wisconsin Infantry was a part of Gen. Nathaniel Banks' army during Jackson's Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1862. Later in the year, the 3rd Wisconsin took part in the fighting around the Cornfield during the Battle of Antietam. In 1863, after the Battle of Gettysburg, the 3rd was sent to New York, to help control the New York City draft riots.
The regiment participated in the Grand Review of the Armies on May 24, 1865, and then mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 18, 1865.
Total enlistments and casualties
The 3rd Wisconsin Infantry initially mustered 979 men and later recruited an additional 940 men, for a total of 1919 men.[1] The regiment lost 9 officers and 158 enlisted men killed in action or who later died of their wounds, plus another 2 officers and 113 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 282 fatalities.[2]
Colonels
- Colonel Charles Smith Hamilton – May 11, 1861, to August 10, 1861 – Promoted to brigadier general.
- Colonel Thomas H. Ruger – August 10, 1861, to November 29, 1862 – Promoted to brigadier general.
- Colonel William Hawley – March 10, 1863, to July 18, 1865.