Governor Alexander Randall had the foresight to prepare his state for Civil War in 1861, and the state was well ahead of its quota of soldiers.
Wisconsin's next governor, Louis p: Harvey, contributed and transported much-needed medical supplies to the warfront until his death in an unfortunate accident. His wife, Cordelia, came to be known as the "Wisconsin Angel" for carrying on her husband's work. Mrs. Harvey succeeded in establishing three army hospitals in the state.

Wisconsin's roster of Civil War heroes includes the brave Cushing Brothers. William, the youngest, torpedoed the Confederate Ship, Albemarle, from his small boat. The two older brothers took part in many heroic actions.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bailey and his crew dammed the Red River in a mere 8 days, raising the water level for safe passage downstream, and thus provided escape for the Union fleet from enemy territory.

The Wisconsin regiment also took part in the capture of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy.

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