March 2011  Enlarge Located near Tour Stop 4 (Ransom's Gun Path), is the Wisconsin Memorial, dedicated on May 22, 1911. Sitting atop the memorial is a six-foot bronze representation of the famed mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, "Old Abe", The War Eagle. The original bronze eagle was destroyed by a lightning strike (a not uncommon occurrence at the Vicksburg Battlefield) in 1944, but was soon replaced

"Old Abe" survived an astonishing 37 battles and skirmishes and was a popular attraction at G.A.R. functions for many years after the war. He died in 1881, and was displayed for many years as a mounted taxidermist's exhibit at the Wisconsin State Capitol. A fire at the State Capitol in February, 1904 destroyed many exhibits, including "Old Abe" Narrative by Ed Conner, TN

2006 Enlarge
 
Photo by Richard Edling