Located on the north side of St. Louis, Benton Barracks was one of the most important Union Army training camps in Missouri during the Civil War. The 150-acre complex was established in 1861, and contained barracks, warehouses, and numerous other buildings. A number of Missouri Union regiments were organized there, including some of the state’s African-American units. Soon after the war, the camp was closed and nothing remains of the wartime home of thousands of Federal soldiers. Pictured in this photograph is the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry.

The 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry was organized at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from December 30, 1861 through March 10, 1862, and mustered into service under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas H. Dale. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Frontier.

The regiment participated in the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi.

The 2nd was mustered out of federal service at Austin, Texas, on November 15, 1865, and disbanded on December 14, 1865, at Madison, Wisconsin.

Albumen by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30837