History of the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry

The 24th Michigan Infantry was organized at Detroit, Michigan and mustered into Federal service on August 15, 1862. It was assigned to the famous Iron Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. The 24th joined the ranks of the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin and 19th Indiana

This unit served in many of this country's most memorable battles.  They lived up to their nickname of the Iron Brigade through their commitment and courage demonstrated at the Battle of Gettysburg. At Gettysburg it "Went into action with 496 officers and men. Killed & mortally wounded: 89; Otherwise wounded: 218; Captured: 56; Total casualties: 363. Five color bearers were killed and all the color guard killed or wounded."[1]

By 1864 there were only 120 members left in the 24th Michigan. Their last act as a regiment was to provide a military escort for Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession in Springfield, IL in 1865. The regiment was mustered out on June 30, 1865.

The 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry is a Michigan-based Civil War reenactment group that strives to accurately portray the Union infantryman, especially of the Army of the Potomac. We are proud members of the Black Hat Battalion, an organization of other Iron Brigade reenacting units or units willing to portray the Iron Brigade by donning their distinctive black felt U.S. Army Dress Hats, commonly called Hardee hats.

Our goal is to bring the story of the Union infantryman to life by recreating the material culture as well as the day to day experiences of the soldier in the field. To that end, we do our best to act and think like the soldiers during the war in as many ways as possible. We also strive to educate the public about the soldier’s life during the war and to share our knowledge with them.

We are always looking for new members who are interested and willing to learn about our country’s past through authentic living history. If you have questions or would like to know more about joining the unit, please contact our Board for more information.

While the military were at war, daily life still continued back home, albeit differently than pre-war.  The civilian members of this unit participate in living history events throughout the year to share with the public what life was like 160 years ago. We are just as committed to portray an accurate representation through our attire, camp sites and activities we participate in at the events in front of the public. Through period games, reading, sewing and social visits, the public get a sense of what daily life was like.

The folks back home played an important role in supporting the soldiers while away and we do the same at events through various events.  This may be done through traditional letter writing, sending care packages and helping mend clothing.

If you are interested, but concerned about not knowing how to sew, or all the history behind these activities don't worry!  This is why we come together as a group.  We help each other to share information on this unique time in our country's history. If you would like to ask questions or talk to our Civilian Liason, you can contact our Board for more information.