Jim Falls in Chippewa County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Abe the War Eagle

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

1. Old Abe the War Eagle Marker

Inscription. In the Spring of 1861 a band of hungry Chippewa Indians came to the McCann farm just across the river from here and traded a young eagle for corn. The eagle became a family pet. When Company C, 8th Wisconsin was organized at Eau Claire for Civil War duty, the crippled Dan McCann offered his eagle's services as a mascot saying "someone from the family ought to go." On October 12, 1861 the eagle regiment headed for battle. In action Old Abe spread his wings and screamed encouragement to his men. Old Abe served in 42 battles and lost only a few feathers. After 3 years service Old Abe was formally presented to the State of Wisconsin on 26 September 1864 where a room was equipped for him in the Capitol in Madison. His last public appearance was at the National Encampment of the G.A.R. in Milwaukee where he and General U.S. Grant were honored guests. Old Abe died on 28 March 1881.

This plaque in memory of Jim Falls Lion
and friend Rolf Anderson

Erected 1990 by the Jim Falls Lions Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is March 28, 1881.

Location. 45° 2.971′ N, 91° 16.409′ W. Marker is in Jim Falls, Wisconsin, in Chippewa County. Marker is at the intersection

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

of County Highway S and County Highway Y on County Highway S. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19760 County Highway S, Jim Falls WI 54748, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Abe, the War Eagle (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Cobban Bridge (approx. 5 miles away); Bohemian National Cemetery (approx. 6.2 miles away); Western Bohemian-Fraternal Association (approx. 6.3 miles away); Nation's First Cooperative Generating Station (approx. 6.4 miles away); Stanley's Mill (approx. 6.9 miles away); Saint Peter's Catholic Church (approx. 8.6 miles away); Bear Den Road Bridge (approx. 9 miles away).

More about this marker. Plaques are on the base of both flag poles. The text of the plaque at the left flag pole is "Home of Wisconsin's Largest Hydro-Elect. Plant" and at the right flag pole "Home of Wisconsin's Largest Cheese Mfg. Plant."

Also see . . . Old Abe - Atlas Obscura Stories Told. A renowned Civil War veteran, this Bald eagle now presides over the Wisconsin State Assembly. (Submitted on August 24, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

2. Old Abe the War Eagle Marker

Jim Falls, WI
home of
-Old Abe-
the
Civil War Eagle
mascot of
8th Wisconsin Infantry
1990

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

3. Old Abe the War Eagle Marker

This project sponsored
by the
Jim Falls
Lions Club
1990

Old Abe the War Eagle and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

4. Old Abe the War Eagle and Marker

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

5. Old Abe the War Eagle and Marker

Wisconsin Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

6. Wisconsin Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Plaque

1989 · The Jim Falls Redevelopment Project · Northern States Power Company

Township of Anson Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

7. Township of Anson Plaque

Chippewa County, WI · Pop. 1,705 · Val. $40,147,425 · 1990 Town Board [names]

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

8. Bench

Donated by Jim Falls Lions Club

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

9. Bench

In memory of Porter Popple

Nearby Hydro-Electric Power Plant image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 22, 2011

10. Nearby Hydro-Electric Power Plant

The McCann farm was beyond and left of the bridge in the distance.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,156 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on November 8, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.