The Civil War brings up images of the clash of armies in major battles, such as Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg. Yet, much of a soldier's life happened between the fight with hours of drill, the building of fortifications, and simply waiting. In this video we learn the story of William S. McCready from the small community of Black Hawk, located in Sauk County, Wisconsin, as retold from his personal war diary. He tells of the hard work and difficult losses of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. It is the story in chapters of courage, resilience, bravery and honor, and fatigue so great that could only be overcome through deep commitment and strength of purpose that framed the soldiers of the Civil War.

The 11th Wisconsin Infantry was organized in September 1861. The regiment consisted of volunteers primarily from Wisconsin. They participated in several significant battles, including the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Atlanta. The regiment was known for its bravery and resilience on the battlefield. They faced harsh conditions, including disease and shortages of supplies, but continued to serve with determination. The 11th Wisconsin Infantry played a crucial role in many battles, earning a reputation for their discipline and effectiveness in combat.

After the war, the 11th Wisconsin Infantry was mustered out in June 1865, having served for nearly four years. The regiment made significant contributions to the Union cause and left a lasting legacy in the history of the Civil War.