ELLSWORTH – Who was Col. Elmer Ellsworth, and why did a small Wisconsin community choose to name itself after him?

Visitors to the Ellsworth Public Library can explore those questions in a new History Room display located in the library’s “Vault,” titled “The Man Behind the Name: Colonel Ellsworth & the Founding of Ellsworth.”

Drawing from local archives, historical books, and “Pierce County’s Heritage: Ellsworth & Ellsworth Township,” the display traces the remarkable—and brief—life of Col. Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth, whose name became nationally known during the opening months of the Civil War.

The story begins with Ellsworth’s early years as a military enthusiast and leader of the U.S. Zouave Cadets of Chicago. The young officer gained a reputation for his military drills and leadership, but his ambitions extended beyond the military. He studied law, developed his public-speaking skills, and formed a close friendship with Abraham Lincoln.

Ellsworth’s relationship with Lincoln would become an important chapter in his life. He spent time with the Lincoln family in Springfield, participated in Lincoln’s presidential campaign, passed the Illinois bar examination, and helped provide security for the president-elect during his 1861 journey to Washington, D.C.

When the Civil War began, Ellsworth put his military talents to work for the Union. He organized the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry, known as the Fire Zouaves, and was elected colonel by its volunteers. His regiment later served in Washington and Virginia.

Ellsworth’s life came to a sudden end on May 24, 1861, in Alexandria, Va. While removing a large Confederate flag from a hotel, he was shot and killed at the age of 24. His death received widespread attention, and the words “Remember Ellsworth!” soon became a rallying cry across the North.

The tragedy also reached Pierce County, Wis.

At the time, the community now known as Ellsworth was called Perry. As the story of the young colonel’s death spread, local residents were moved to honor Ellsworth by giving their community his name. The village of Perry became Ellsworth, leaving a lasting connection between the Pierce County community and the young soldier whose life had intersected with one of the nation’s most consequential moments.

The new display invites visitors to learn more about the man behind the name and discover how the story of a 24-year-old colonel became part of the history of a Wisconsin community.

“The Man Behind the Name: Colonel Ellsworth & the Founding of Ellsworth” is on display in the Ellsworth Public Library’s History Room, or “Vault,” and can be viewed during regular library hours.

For more information, visit ellsworthlibrary.org or contact the Ellsworth Public Library at 715-273-3209.

Historical information for the display was drawn in part from “Pierce County’s Heritage: Ellsworth & Ellsworth Township,” Volume 10, Section 1, “History,” pages 422–423, Appendix B, “Remember Ellsworth!” by D.M. O’Keefe

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library