With the Civil War Remembrance event at Greenfield Village cancelled for a second year in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry gathered at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit on May 29, 2021 to tour the grounds and honor the Civil War veterans who are interred there.

Elmwood Cemetery was established in 1846 by leading citizens in Detroit, Michigan and is the oldest continuously operating non-denominational cemetery in the city. Over the years, it has expanded from its original 42 acres to the current size of 86 acres. Elmwood Cemetery is the final resting place for citizens from all walks of life. There’s more to learn about the cemetery than can be summed up in one paragraph or even one tour. More about the history of the cemetery can be found on its website. The touring members of the 24th focused on veterans of the Civil War as well as notable Michigan historical figures from that era.

Henry Porter Baldwin

Henry Porter Baldwin was the 15th governor of Michigan (1869-1873) and a United States Senator (1879-1881). Photo by Erin Jones.

Benjamin B. DeBaptiste

Benjamin B. DeBaptiste was a private in Company K of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first colored regiment in Union army. This regiment was portrayed in the movie Glory. Photo by Erin Jones.

James F. Joy

James F. Joy was a Michigan railroad magnate and a member of the Michigan House of Representatives (1861-1862). Photo by Erin Jones.

Henry Bourne Joy

Henry Bourne Joy, son of James F. Joy, was a social activist and the president of Packard Motor Company. Photo by Erin Jones.

Mark Flanigan

Born in Ireland, Mr. Flanigan emigrated to Detroit by way of Canada in 1845. He joined the 24th Michigan at its organization and was made Lt. Col. of the Iron Brigade. Photo by Erin Jones.

Samuel Zug

Samuel Zug was a devout Presbyterian with a keen interest in human rights and abolitionism. Mr. Zug worked as part of the Underground Railroad and assisted countless people to freedom in Canada. Photo by Erin Jones.

William A. Throop

Brevet Brigadier General William A Throop fought for the Union with the 1st Michigan.Photo by Erin Jones.

Zachariah Chandler

Zachariah Chandler was Detroit’s mayor from 1851-1852, a founding member of the Republican party, an abolitionist, the United States Secretary of the Interior, and a four-term US Senator. Photo by Erin Jones.

Decorated gravestones. May 29, 2021. Photo by Erin Jones.