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Civil War Soldier Firing a Cannon, 1886 ca.

Oil on linen study of a Union Civil War soldier firing a cannon. The painting was done by one of a group of German panorama painters active in Milwaukee during the 1880s. Although unsigned, the study was likely done by F.W. Heine who donated it to the Historical Society. View the original source document: WHI 78364

The 1st Wisconsin Light Artillery was organized at La Crosse and mustered in October 10, 1861.It moved to Camp Utley in Racine and served on duty there until January 23, 1862. From Wisconsin it traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, on January 23, 1862, and served duty there until April 3. From Kentucky, the battery moved through Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 

The 1st Wisconsin Light Artillery participated in the Cumberland Gap, Western Louisiana, and Red River Campaigns, the battles of Port Gibson and Champion Hill, and the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson.

The regiment mustered out on July 18, 1865. It lost 28 men during service. Five enlisted men were killed. One officer and 22 enlisted men died from disease.

• View a longer history

• View the roster

• View a list of casualties

• View original documents

• View assignments to brigades, divisions, corps and armies

[Source: Estabrook, Charles E, ed. Records and sketches of military organizations: population, legislation, election and other statistics relating to Wisconsin in the period of the Civil War. (Madison, 1914?)]