24th Michigan Infantry Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment |
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Michigan state flag
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| Active | August 15, 1862, to June 30, 1865 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Engagements | Battle of Fredericksburg Battle of Chancellorsville Battle of Gettysburg Battle of the Wilderness Battle of Spotsylvania Battle of Cold Harbor<BRSiege of Petersburg |
The 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment was a brave group of soldiers. They fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. This regiment was part of a famous fighting group called the Iron Brigade. They served from August 15, 1862, until June 30, 1865.
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Joining the Fight
The 24th Michigan Infantry was formed in Detroit, Michigan. Its soldiers officially joined the Union Army on August 15, 1862. They became part of the well-known Iron Brigade. This brigade was a tough fighting unit in the Army of the Potomac.
The Iron Brigade's commander, General John Gibbon, wanted a new regiment. His original four regiments had lost many soldiers in battles. By October 1862, they had fewer than 1,000 men in total. General Gibbon asked for a new regiment from the Western states. The 24th Michigan was chosen to join them.
Battles and Bravery
The 24th Michigan Infantry saw its first battle at Fredericksburg. They helped fight against Confederate horse artillery south of the town. This was their first experience in a major conflict.
They did not see much action during the Chancellorsville campaign. However, the 24th Michigan played a huge role at the Battle of Gettysburg. This was one of the most important battles of the war.
Gettysburg: A Tough Fight
At Gettysburg, the 24th Michigan started with 496 officers and men. The fighting was incredibly fierce. Many soldiers were killed or wounded.
- 89 soldiers were killed or died from their wounds.
- 218 soldiers were wounded.
- 56 soldiers were captured.
- In total, 363 soldiers became casualties.
The regiment's flags were very important symbols. Five flag bearers were killed during the battle. All the soldiers guarding the flags were either killed or wounded.
Colonel Morrow was the leader of the regiment. He was wounded in the head while carrying the regimental flag. He fell down, stunned by the injury. Lieutenant Charles Hutton helped him off the battlefield.
Later Campaigns and Lincoln's Funeral
After Gettysburg, the 24th Michigan continued to fight. They took part in many more campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac. These included battles like the Battle of the Wilderness and the Siege of Petersburg.
The regiment was not at Appomattox Court House when the war ended. They had been moved to a garrison post in Illinois two months earlier.
The 24th Michigan was chosen for a special honor. They served as the escort at President Abraham Lincoln's funeral. This was a very important duty. The regiment was officially finished serving on June 30, 1865.
Soldiers Lost
The 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment suffered many losses during the war.
- 12 officers and 177 enlisted men were killed in action or died from their wounds.
- 3 officers and 136 enlisted men died from diseases.
In total, 328 soldiers from the regiment lost their lives. One of these soldiers was John Litogot. He was the uncle of the famous car maker, Henry Ford.
Regiment Leaders
- Colonel Henry Andrew Morrow
