The 6th Wisconsin Infantry was organized at Camp Randall in Madison and was mustered into service on July 16, 1861. The regiment left Wisconsin for Washington, D. C., on July 28, 1861. During the war it moved from Washington, D.C., through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. After participating in the defenses of Washington, D.C., it fought at the Second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee and his army.  It moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out of service on July 2, 1865. The regiment lost 357 men during service. Sixteen officers and 228 enlisted men were killed. One officer and 112 enlisted men died from disease.

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[Source: Estabrook, Charles E, ed. Records and sketches of military organizations... (Madison, 1914?).]

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