Michigan Civil War

The Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, a member of the famed Iron Brigade, engages advancing Confederate forces at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1863. In savage fighting, the Twenty-fourth suffers 80 percent casualties--the greatest loss of any northern regiment in the war's most dynamic battle. Other Michiganians have and will distinguish themselves throughout the war. When the First Michigan Infantry arrived in Washington, DC, in May 1861--the first western regiment to reach the northern capital--President Abraham Lincoln reportedly exclaimed, "Thank God for Michigan." On May 10, 1865, defeated Confederate President Jefferson Davis will be captured by Colonel Benjamin Pritchard and the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. By then over 90,000 Michigan men, and at least one woman disguised as a man, will have served in the Union armies; approximately 15,000 will have died.

Michigan Monument This Monument is erected and dedicated by "The People of Michigan To the Memory of Her Soldiers" who fought and fell in "The Battle of Shiloh" The 12th Michigan Infantry met the first confederate line in the early morning of April 6th 1862, and helped to resist its sudden advance. 27 killed, 54 mounded, 109 missing - Total 190 men The 15th Michicagn Infantry, unassigned, although not supplied with ammunition, moved to the front as the battle opened. Endeavoring to meet the confederates with bayonets, but was forced to return to the landing for ammunition. After which it "fought with conspicious gallantry" until the close of the battle. Losing 23 killed, 74 wounded, 5 missing - total 102 men. Ross' battery B, Michigan light artillery was conspicuous in the desperate struggles of the first day, in the "Peach Orchard" and near the "Bloody Pond". Fighting until ordered to retire. While preparing to execute this order, it was charged and captured by confederate cavalry within a few feet of where this monument stands, losing four of its six guns. Loses - 5 wouned, 56 missing - total 61 men. More enduring than this granite will be the gratitude of Michigan, to her soldiers of Shiloh.