Steil Joins Colleagues, Introduces Legislation to Authorize Wisconsin Civil War Memorials at National Battlefields

February 19, 2026

Janesville, WI – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) joined Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) in introducing legislation to authorize Wisconsin memorials at Antietam National Battlefield and Manassas National Battlefield Park. These memorials will recognize the service and sacrifice of the Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Infantry Regiments during the Civil War.

“The bravery demonstrated by Wisconsin's Union Soldiers at the site of the Civil War's fiercest fighting should be permanently recognized," said Steil. "These monuments will honor the sacrifice of Wisconsin soldiers in protecting our nation, securing liberty for all Americans, and will preserve their legacy for future generations."

“Wisconsin’s regiments stood firm in some of the fiercest fighting of the Civil War. Their bravery deserves more than a footnote in history. It deserves lasting recognition,” said Fitzgerald. “By establishing these monuments, we are fulfilling a long-overdue commitment to honor their sacrifice and preserve their story for generations to come.”

BACKGROUND:

In August 1862, General Stonewall Jackson and Confederate forces surrounded Union General John Pope and his men on their return to Washington. Among the Union units were the Second, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Infantry Regiments. As the Union troops advanced toward Gainesville, Wisconsin’s Second Regiment was brought under fire by an enemy artillery battery. Despite being severely outnumbered, the Second regiment charged the Confederate troops before later being supported by the Seventh and Sixth regiments. After hours of fighting and standing firm, Union leaders ordered the men back. Devastatingly, 515 men from Wisconsin who entered the fight had been killed, wounded, or remained missing.

Later, on September 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam stopped the Confederate Army’s first invasion of the North and helped give President Lincoln confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation mere days after the battle. Among the brave soldiers who fought in the deadliest one-day battle in American military history were officers and enlisted men from the Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Wisconsin Infantry Regiments. Four of these regiments fought in the cornfield at Antietam, while the Fifth regiment was held in reserve to support artillery efforts. Together, men from these regiments paid the ultimate price and suffered great loss, with over 500 killed, wounded, or missing after the battle.

Wisconsin's Second Regiment was composed of ten companies, including Company F, which was made up primarily of volunteers from Janesville and Rock County, and Company D, whose ranks were largely filled by men from Racine County. George B. Ely, a former district attorney from Janesville and captain of Company D, played a key role in organizing the company before being wounded at the Battle of Antietam.

To honor the bravery and sacrifice of these men, the Wisconsin Legislature authorized a monument commission in 1913 to explore constructing a monument at the Antietam and Manassas Battlefields. Unfortunately, this effort never came to fruition. Over a century after the effort began to honor these men, it’s time to make this unkept promise a reality.

Representatives Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Tony Wied (WI-08) were all original cosponsors of this legislation.

CLICK HERE to read the bill text.

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