Michigan in the Civil War

This presentation takes a unique approach, tracing the war through events in Michigan and at the Eastern battlefields. At the beginning of the war, in April of 1861, Michigan had about 1200 men and a few officers in the State Militia. By January of 1865, nearly 89,000 Michigan soldiers had served in the war. This program, in 77 minutes, tells true stories about Michigan people and Governor Blair’s search for troops to meet Lincoln’s request. 

This lecture and visual presentation was developed over a 5 year period by Al and Dave Eicher. More than 150 Michigan research centers such as libraries, historical societies and individuals contributed information and photographs. The presentation includes visits to the many Historic sites relating to Civil War events in Michigan and old photos of places where the recruits joined the Union cause. The producer’s television cameras also went to the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal, Gettysburg Battle fields, the Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, the crossing of the Rappahannock River, Petersburg, Bull Run and Fredericksburg.  Michigan men and women were there!