Michigan in the Civil War

At the beginning of the Civil War, Michigan residents responded enthusiastically to President Abraham Lincoln's call for troops to put down the Confederate rebellion, eventually sending some 90,000 men (and a few women) into the Union military. 

Over four years of war, Michigan sent 50 percent of its military age male population to serve in over 40 regiments of infantry and cavalry, as well as specialized units of sharpshooters, engineers and mechanics, and an African American regiment, contributing more cavalry per capita than any other northern state. At least 68 Michigan soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry on the battlefield. 

Michigan farms produced foodstuffs for military rations, and its mines produced tons of ire ore used to make cannon, iron clad ships, and rails. Michigan’s women contributed on the Homefront as well as by serving as medical support personnel in hospitals in all theaters of war. Michigan’s contributions were essential to the military success of the Union, to defeat of the rebellion, and to emancipation.