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At the time a group of Wisconsin men volunteered to fight for the North in the Civil War, they had no way of knowing they would become world famous because of one bird.
Shortly before the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry left EauClaire, Wisconsin, they were given a young Bald Eagle mascot, they would name "Old Abe."
They traveled to St. Louis and then on to Fredericktown before they had their first encounter with Confederate soldiers. Upon learning the 8th Wisconsin's first battle would be here, they felt obliged to protect their Bald Eagle mascot they had named "Old Abe". So, they tethered the eagle to the Madison County Courthouse roof. However, when the fighting began, "Old Abe" became so excited upon hearing the cannon and rifle fire, he broke free and flew to the action, one mile south of town. From then on, "Old Abe" was given an Eagle Bearer, a soldier, whose sole responsibility was to carry the Eagle into battle, right next to the Flag Bearer. And thus began the Eagle Brigade. Because Old Abe had the ability through his shrill screams and flight to encourage these Union soldiers to fight even more fiercely, he became hated by the Confederacy. Many times, the rifles of the enemy forces were aimed at this eagle, but Old Abe was never hit, losing only a wing feather once or twice.
There were 35 other battles fought through southeast Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. After this final battle at Hurricane Creek, MS, Old Abe was mustered out and returned to Wisconsin where he lived the remainder of his life at the state Capitol. The War Eagle Trail lists the 36 battles. A map is being developed that will guide the tourist to each location in these four states, taking them off of the interstate highways and through the quaint towns, and thus giving the towns the opportunity to increase their tourism and enhance economies.
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