Wisconsin Stories: Civil War at Home

Old Abe, mascot of the Wisconsin 8th Regiment



2."Old Abe" was not always easy to pose for the photographer. In this photograph taken in July 1863 at Vicksburg, Miss., the image of Old Abe was added by a painter because the bird moved while the men posed. Edward Homaston was the eagle bearer in this photo of the 8th Regiment's color guard, and he holds Old Abe on his specially made battle staff, a red, white, and blue shield fitted with a roost for the eagle. Album 17.20 WH i (X3) 11606

2 of 9 Old Abe painted in photograph, July 1863 atVicksburg, Mississippi.
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Not to be reproduced without written permission from the State Historical Society of Wisconsin