Michigan and the Civil War: The Untold Story

People familiar with the US Civil War have heard of the Iron Brigade. This famous infantry unit was comprised of volunteers from the Mid-West, including many soldiers from Michigan. Another brigade, this one cavalry, was also comprised of units from Michigan. This formation, the Custer Brigade, fought its first major engagement at the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in June/July 1863.

Shortly after Custer assumed command, Confederate cavalry under Jeb Stuart were raiding the Union rear area in the vicinity of Hanover, Pa. On June 30, 1863, Custer’s men formed a skirmish line on the south side of the town and fought off the Confederates.Didn’t catch that? This explains it. On June 2, at the Battle of Hunterstown, Wolverine Norville Churchill rescued Custer who was trapped beneath his slain horse. On July 3d, at the Battle of Gettysburg, the Brigade was stationed east of the city. During the ensuing battle, Custer led the 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan Calvary Regiments in several counterattacks. Troopers from the Michigan Brigade’s four regiments fought as dismounted skirmishers and as mounted cavalry.

It was during one of these cavalry engagements that the troopers from Michigan responded heroically to Custer’s call of “Come on you, Wolverines”, their new battle cry.