Originally called the Black Hat Brigade because its soldiers wore the regular army s black felt dress hats, the Iron Brigade was one of the most celebrated organizations of the Union Armies during the Civil War. Made up of the Second, Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, Nineteenth Indiana and Twenty-fourth Michigan volunteer infantry regiments, it won fame for its fighting ability and gained the terrible distinction of leading all Federal brigades in percentage of deaths in battle. The Iron Brigade in the Wilderness addresses the large neglected after Gettysburg period when the unit is transformed by a number of profound changes and first comes under the command of U.S. Grant. This online course challenges students to apply a more contemporary framework of analysis to the battle and to interpret the Wilderness Campaign of 1864 and its impact from the prospective of the five Western regiments. The instructors for both courses are authors and Iron Brigade experts Dr. Sharon Eggleston Vipond and Lance J. Herdegen.
Individuals can register for online classes at any time.
The classes formally start on the first Tuesday of each month and generally run 16 weeks from the start date. Students work at their own pace, but must complete quizzes and other the class work within the time allotted. Replying to chatroom questions may be done at any time. Telephone conference calls are scheduled at various times. A Certificate in Civil War Studies is awarded to individuals who have successfully earned 15 Civil War units.