List of Michigan Civil War units Facts for Kids

Michigan played a big part in the American Civil War. As a northern state, Michigan was on the side of the Union. Its soldiers fought bravely throughout the entire war. Michigan's military units were known for their courage and strength. One famous group was the Michigan Brigade, often called the "Wolverines." They served under a well-known general named George Armstrong Custer during important battles like the Gettysburg Campaign.

Soldiers from the 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment

George Armstrong Custer led the Michigan Brigade, also known as the "Wolverines."

General Alpheus S. Williams helped train Michigan's first volunteer soldiers in 1861.

Frank Baldwin was a captain in the 19th Michigan and earned the Medal of Honor.

Orlando B. Willcox was the first colonel of the 1st Michigan Infantry.

The Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Detroit honors Michigan's brave soldiers.

Michigan's Fighting Forces
Michigan Cavalry Brigade
See also

Michigan's Fighting Forces

During the Civil War, Michigan sent many different types of military units to fight for the Union. These units were made up of volunteers who wanted to help preserve the United States. They included soldiers who fought on foot (infantry), expert shooters (sharpshooters), soldiers on horseback (cavalry), and those who operated cannons (artillery).

Infantry Units

Infantry soldiers fought on foot and were the main part of any army. Michigan had many infantry regiments, each with hundreds of soldiers.

1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (3 months)
1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (3 years)
1st Michigan Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment - This unit was made up of African-American soldiers. It later became the 102nd Regiment United States Colored Troops.
2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
3rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
3rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (reorganized)
4th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
4th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (reorganized)
5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
8th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
9th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (reorganized)
12th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
13th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
14th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
15th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
16th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment - Also known as Stockton's Independent Regiment.
17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment - Called the Stonewall Regiment.
18th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
19th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
20th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
22nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
23rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
25th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
26th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
28th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
29th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
30th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Stanton Guard
Independent Company (Provost Guard)

Sharpshooter Units

Sharpshooters were expert marksmen who could hit targets from far away. They were very important for scouting and targeting enemy officers.

1st Regiment Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters
Hall's Independent Battalion Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters
Brady's Independent Company Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters
Dygert's Independent Company Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters
Jardine's Independent Company Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters
Company "C" 1st United States Sharpshooters Regiment
Company "I" 1st United States Sharpshooters Regiment
Company "K" 1st United States Sharpshooters Regiment
Company "B" 2nd United States Sharpshooters Regiment
Company "D" Western Sharpshooters Regiment

Cavalry Units

Cavalry soldiers rode horses and were used for scouting, quick attacks, and chasing down enemy forces.

1st Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
2nd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
4th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
5th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
6th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
8th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
9th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
10th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
11th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
1st United States Lancer Regiment
Chandler's Horse Guard

Artillery Units

Artillery units operated large cannons and howitzers. They were used to bombard enemy positions and support infantry attacks.

1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "A" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery – Also known as Loomis Battery or Coldwater Artillery.
- Battery "B" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "C" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery – Also known as Robinson's Battery, from the Grand Rapids and Battle Creek Area.
- Battery "D" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "E" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "F" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "G" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "H" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery – Also known as De Golyer's Battery.
- Battery "I" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "K" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "L" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
- Battery "M" 1st Regiment Michigan Light Artillery
6th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Heavy Artillery
13th Independent Battery Michigan Light Artillery
14th Independent Battery Michigan Light Artillery

Engineer Units

Engineers were crucial for building and destroying structures like bridges and fortifications. They helped armies move and defend themselves.

1st Regiment Michigan Volunteer Engineers and Mechanics
Howland's Company Michigan Volunteer Engineers

Michigan Cavalry Brigade

The Michigan Cavalry Brigade was a special group of volunteer cavalry soldiers. They were very important during the second half of the war. This brigade was mostly made up of the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan Cavalry Regiments. They fought in almost every major battle of the Army of the Potomac. This included the famous Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, all the way to the end of the war when the Confederates surrendered at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.

List of Michigan Civil War units facts for kids

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