In The original Iron Brigade, author Thomas Reed discusses the history of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, which was composed of three New York two-year regiments, the 22nd, 24th, and 30th New York Infantry; the 14th Brooklyn Militia (4th New York Infantry); and the 2nd United States Sharpshooters. The brigade's story begins with the 14th Brooklyn's role during the First Battle of Manassas in 1861 and ends with the disbanding of the brigade in June 1863. Based on original unpublished diaries and letters of the men of the brigade, this book describes how the original Iron Brigade earned its name by its hard marching during the spring of 1862" --|c Page 4 of cover.

The regiments and forming the brigade -- Upton's Hill -- With McDowell's Corps -- Second Manassas -- South Mountain and Antietam -- Fredericksburg and the mud march -- Chancellorsville, demobilization, and postwar.