At the onset of the war, the United States Department of War charged Colonel Hiram Berdan, a known marksman, with the organization of two regiments of true marksmen, with the volunteers belonging to companies of their respective states.

Company G was organized and recruited in Wisconsin under the supervision of Adjutant General William L. Utley, who was also a noted marksman and was crucial to the expedited process of organizing and mustering Wisconsin volunteer regiments.

Berdan had the men issued green uniforms for a better blend into the wilderness, along with a distinction from the rest of the army wearing variations of blue.

On September 19, 1861 the unit moved out from Camp Randall to rendezvous with the 1st United States Sharpshooters and were officially mustered into Federal service on September 23, 1861 in New York City.

practiced rigorous marksmanship drills; dignitaries and citizens alike could come watch the amazing feats the marksmen accomplished.