a number of wisconsin regiments were distinguished, including three that served in the celebrated "iron brigade"&amp;mdash. these were the 2nd wisconsin, 6th wisconsin, and 7th wisconsin. all were noted for their hard fighting and dashing appearance. they were among the only troops in the army of the potomac to wear hardee hats and long frock coats. they suffered severely at the battle of gettysburg in july 1863. the 8th wisconsin, another hard-fighting regiment, was often accompanied into battle by its mascot, old abe, a bald eagle.