December 16, 2025

In August, 1862, a number of men from Monticello, greater Wright County, and surrounding areas answered the call to arm.  These volunteers eventually became Company E of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The Eighth Regiment had an extraordinary experience.  During the last year of the Civil War, this regiment traveled more miles than any other unit, North or South.  Beginning in Minnesota, they campaigned west to the Yellowstone River as part of the Dakota War and then turned around to go south through Tennessee to North Carolina.  Along the way, they endured extreme weather, three train derailments and but still fought bravely when needed, including against such noted foes, as Sitting Bull and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.  This is the story of the Eight Minnesota told through the eyes of the soldiers, primarily those in Company E.

Paul Hodnefield is a commercial finance attorney and skilled researcher. For as long as he can remember, Paul has had a passion for American history, with particular interest in the Revolutionary, Civil War, and frontier eras. A Minnesota native, Paul lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Patty.