November 25, 1863- Iconic phrase ‘On Wisconsin!’ was born on Civil War battlefield

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - On this day, Nov. 25, 1863, the iconic phrase “On Wisconsin!” was born on a battlefield during the Civil War.

On that day, Wisconsin’s 24th Volunteer Infantry regiment was part of the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Along with other Union Army soldiers, the unit met with Confederate soldiers guarding the hill at Missionary Ridge.

The Confederate soldiers shot down many Union members, but that did not stop 18-year-old Lieutenant Arthur MacArthur Jr.

He grabbed the Wisconsin state flag and shouted “On Wisconsin” as he rushed up the hill, in an attempt to rally his troops.

MacArthur’s actions helped break the Confederate line, and Missionary Ridge became a strategic location for the Union. He was awarded the medal of honor for his bravery.

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