Company L, 2nd Illinois Infantry in East St. Louis, 1916–1917
Company L of the 2nd Illinois Infantry was a Chicago-based Illinois National
Guard unit composed of tradesmen, clerks, craftsmen, and first-generation Americans.
The company was known for good discipline and steady leadership under
Captain Charles E. Wise. Before entering World War I, Company L was twice deployed
to East St. Louis, Illinois, during periods of civil disorder.
1916: Labor Unrest and Industrial Conflict
In the summer of 1916, East St. Louis was shaken by industrial disputes, strike tensions,
and violence involving labor unions and replacement workers. Local officials requested
State assistance to prevent sabotage and protect key rail and stockyard infrastructure.
Company L was mobilized and transported by rail to East St. Louis. Their duties included:
- Guarding the Merchants Bridge rail approaches
- Protecting freight yards and industrial sidings
- Patrolling the perimeter of the National Stockyards
- Discouraging mob formation and property destruction
There were no recorded casualties, arrests by the company, or formal complaints against
their conduct. This deployment demonstrated Company L’s reliability as an urban
security force.
1917: The East St. Louis Race Massacre
In July 1917, East St. Louis again descended into crisis, this time as racial violence
erupted throughout the city. White mobs attacked African American neighborhoods,
destroying homes and businesses. Many residents attempted to flee across the river.
The Illinois National Guard was called in after violence was already widespread.
Company L’s assignment during this deployment included:
- Securing the central business district
- Controlling bridge and ferry crossings
- Conducting armed patrols to disperse mobs
- Escorting civilians from danger to safe areas
Unlike some units criticized during the State’s later investigation, Company L was not
cited for inaction or disorder. The historical record suggests the company carried out
its orders with organization and restraint during a chaotic and tragic event.
Transition to the 132nd Infantry, 33rd Division
Following their 1916–1917 deployments, Company L was federalized and sent to
Camp Logan, Texas, where it became Company L, 132nd Infantry Regiment,
33rd Division—“The Prairie Division.”
The same men who stood post in East St. Louis would later fight in:
- The Battle of Hamel
- The Battle of Amiens
- The Verdun sector
- The Meuse-Argonne Offensive
The discipline demonstrated in their domestic service would be seen again on the
battlefields of France. During the fighting at Bois de Fays, every Company L officer
became a casualty, and 1st Sergeant Geoffrey L. Hubbard took command under fire,
leading the company effectively in combat.
Legacy
The deployments to East St. Louis in 1916 and 1917 are a lesser-known part of Company L’s
history, but they reveal much about the company’s character. Before they saw battle in
France, these men had already faced danger, tension, and moral responsibility at home.
Their steadiness in crisis, both civilian and military, is a defining part of the Company L story.