Another Civil War Highway

[RoadDog]

Within the last several months, Iron Brigade Memorial Highway markers have gone up along US Highway 12 in northeastern Illinois.

Great to see this valiant unit so honored.

[unionblue]

RoadDog,

Indeed, this brave body of men should never be forgotten.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

[ole]

Unionblue:

RoadDawg is misrepresenting the importance of US12. Up where he lives, it is the only way to get around, but it is a nasty, dangerous road where the traffic is horrendous and stoplights plentiful.

Now if they'd rename I-94 from the east edge of Michigan to the west edge of Wisconsin (just short of the edge of the earth), that would give The Brigade its due.

I avoid reading about the Iron Brigade -- it's just too easy to fall into hero worship and deification. That started with their Brawner's Farm introduction to Jackson. Here's this brigade marching along the road when that cheeky fellow. Stonewall, elects to strike a bit of terror into it and send them running. (Besides, they look rather foppish in their white leggings and black hats.) I'll never forget that narration: at the first volley the Iron Brigade left-faced, formed up and attacked. Just imagining the look on TJJ's face still tickles me.

ole

[RoadDog]

Originally Posted by ole

Unionblue:

RoadDawg is misrepresenting the importance of US12. Up where he lives, it is the only way to get around, but it is a nasty, dangerous road where the traffic is horrendous and stoplights plentiful.

ole

Very true about US-12 until you get past Fox Lake. At one point, it's like driving through a tunnel with trees on both sides, and then there's that wonderful town that history sorta forgot, Richmond.

Just watch out for 12 on the weekends when all the flatlanders head for cheesehead land. Also, all the weekend warriors heading out to the Chain of Lakes.