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The 24th Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War: The Biography of a Regiment

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What a great book! Detailed, yet easy to read, this book covers all that anyone would desire to know about the 24th Wisconsin. As a regimental history, it ranks among the top that I've read. This book shows above all else the personal side of the regiment and the war. Beaudot shows how soldiers are tied to home in a much better way than have past regimental historians. As Beaudot was describing the 24th's final battle, the Battle of Nashville, I literally gasped as he told of the last man ever to be killed in the regiment. My story here tells of how much Beaudot depicted the personal side of the story. Readers become truly in touch with the men that make up this brave regiment from Milwaukee. This book is worthy to be on every Civil War buffs bookshelf.

Writing a good regimental history is a complex task. While the foremost concern for any regimental author is to tell a story, it is also important to put that regiment into a proper context and offer something more to the reader than just the regiment "fought here" or "charged there." Noted historian of Wisconsin regiments, William J. K. Beaudot has succeeded admirably at presenting a well-balanced and highly readable regimental history in The 24th Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War: The Biography of a Regiment.
The 24th Wisconsin, often times referred to as "The Milwaukee Regiment," has never before had its story told. Until now many only know the regiment because one of its members was Arthur McArthur - father of the famed commander of operations in the Pacific during World War II.
Drawing on an array of sources, which includes a sizeable body of published primary and archival collections Beaudot presents a history that would most certainly please the veterans of that regiment. The book is not only valuable to individuals with an interest in Wisconsin regiments, but is highly valuable to scholars and arm chair historians alike who seek to learn more about the oft-forgotten western theater and the life of the common soldier. -- Jonathan A. Noyalas, The Skirmish Line.

This is a powerful book, ably researched and clearly written. The craftsmanship causes the reader to feel a part of the action. The treatment of the events at Stones River and Franklin reminded the reader of the costs of war. The book is a significant addition to the history of Milwaukee, of Wisconsin and the nation. --Frank P. Zeidler, former mayor of Milwaukee.

The 24th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment is probably best known because of one of its leaders. Young Arthur McArthur, "the boy colonel," won fame and, later, the Medal of Honor for his heroic conduct in leading his regiment in the storming of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee.
Also known as the Milwaukee Regiment, the unit was filled with heroic young men. The author weaves the stories of all of them into a fine unit history that gives a very real flavor of what war was like for soldiers in the ranks. This book also interlaces the stories of the trials the men went through on the front line with happenings back home in Wisconsin.
Through Beaudot's narrative telling of the regiment's story, the reader learns to know its members. It is sometimes heart-wrenching to read of the maiming or death of a young soldier you get to know through quoted letters.
I highly recommend The 24th Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War for anyone interested in the Western Theater of war or in the impact of war on Wisconsin, especially Milwaukee. - Robert L. Durham, Civil War News, December, 2003.

How much more interesting and informative to read a history book which includes everyday folks and not just the well known leaders and heroes! This book is well written, easy to read and could easily interest even those who are not Civil War buffs or who don't even like history. It will be most helpful to genealogists as well. One of the better Civil War unit books I've ever read. I kept forgetting I was reading a history book! Also, it's about time the story of the 24th Wisconsin, a forgotten regiment, was told.

While some regimental histories are black and white, two dimensional laundry lists of thinly researched memories, William J.K. Beaudot delivers a full color, 3D panorama of life in the 24th Wisconsin Infantry. Solid scholarship provides the foundation for this vivid account by an acomplished story teller. This book does justice to the men and deeds of the 24th. Men like the young Arthur MacArthur and his winning of the Medal of Honor. A fine read and a real value to anyone with an intrest in Civil War history.

This is what a regimental history should be written like. Masterfully balances the city, the men and the war. A given that students of Wisconsin regiments in the Civil War will enjoy this book, it is also highly valuable for those interested in Arthur MaCarthur, who won the Medal of Honor at Missionary Ridge (his son, General Douglas MaCarthur also won the Medal of Honor), and other Western battles such as Stones River and Atlanta, to name a few.

Not your usual book about the Civil War. Beaudot does a masterful job of portraying the human sides of "MacArthur's Regiment" -- it is aptly titled "Biography of a Regiment". While the book contains fine tactical and strategic information about this unsung Wisconsin regiment, it does an even better job telling the average soldeir's story. A very moving tale that is expertly and thoroughly sourced, using extensive primary materials letters, and diaries. Lots of fantastic images of the actual soldiers too. A very enjoyable and satisfying read. A must for any Badger! WELL DONE!!!!