Minor Michigan cavalry units of the American Civil War facts for kids
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), many states formed military units to support the Union. Michigan was one of these states, and it raised several regiments and smaller groups of soldiers. Some of these units were organized but never saw actual combat, while others were disbanded early on. This article looks at two such units from Michigan: the 1st United States Lancers Regiment and Chandler's Horse Guard.
Michigan's Early Civil War Units
1st United States Lancers Regiment
The 1st United States Lancers Regiment was a group of soldiers that was being put together for the Union Army. A "regiment" is a large military unit, usually made up of several smaller groups called companies. This regiment was organized by a leader named Colonel Arthur Rankin. He gathered men in different cities across Michigan, including Detroit, Saginaw, and St. Johns, Michigan.
The process of forming this regiment started in late 1861, around November 30, and continued until February 20, 1862. Even though 686 men joined and were ready to serve, the plan to create this regiment was eventually stopped. The unit was officially "mustered out" (meaning they were formally released from military service) on March 20, 1862. This happened before they ever had a chance to fight in any battles.
Chandler's Horse Guard
Another early Michigan unit was called Chandler's Horse Guard. This group was organized by Major William C. Hughs in Coldwater, Michigan on September 19, 1861. A "Major" is a military officer, usually in charge of a smaller group of soldiers than a Colonel.
Chandler's Horse Guard served for about three months. However, they were "mustered out" (disbanded) on November 22, 1861. This happened because the way the unit was set up did not follow the official rules for how the federal government wanted military units to be organized.
Later, the unit tried to get back into service. They were "remustered" (re-enlisted) and given new equipment. But when they were ordered to officially re-join the army, they refused. Because of this, Chandler's Horse Guard was completely discontinued. In total, 189 men served in this unit during its short existence.
