About this record
Old Abe was an eagle who became famous as the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War. Hatched in the spring of 1861 and named for the newly elected president, Old Abe accompanied the regiment in 37 battles and skirmishes, including Vicksburg. At the end of the war, Old Abe lived in the "Eagle department" in the basement of the Capitol building, attracting thousands of visitors until his death in 1881. This feather is one of the few remaining parts of this famous eagle.Citation
Feather from Old Abe the War Eagle. Wisconsin Historical Society (Museum object #1972.59).