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Wisconsin At Antietam

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show
Camp Randall looking southwest. In April 1861, Governor Alexander Randall asked that the State Agricultural Society fairgrounds be converted into a military camp to train volunteer soldiers following the outbreak of the Civil War. Throughout the war, the majority of Wisconsin’s troops, some 70,000, were mustered here. The camp’s ten acres were surrounded by an eight-foot board fence. More than 1200 Confederate prisoners were held here between April and June 1862. Photo Courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history. We talk to the author of a book that explores the role that the Iron Brigade of Wisconsin played in turning back the Confederate troops.

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Jill Nadeau Producer
  • Cal Schoonover Guest

Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

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