24th Regiment Michigan
Volunteer
Infantry
Link to 24th Michigan Web Site
The 24th Michigan, also known as Detroit and Wayne County Regiment, was originally composed of volunteers from the Detroit Area. Recruiting began on July 26th, 1862 and in less than 2 weeks, the ranks had been filled. It served in the Army of the Potomac, and was assigned to the famous Iron Brigade. While not one of the original regiments, the 24th Michigan quickly earned the respect of the hard fighting westerners. Not heavily engaged at Fredericksburg or Chancellorsville, the Regiment marched to Gettysburg some 493 strong. By the end of the first day's battle fewer than 100 men answered roll call, having incurred approximately 80% casualties. The Regiment has the dubious distinction of having the highest losses of any of the 400 union regiments engaged at Gettysburg. The regiment played an important role in Grant's 1864 campaign, and was engaged heavily at Wilderness, Spottsylvannia, and Petersburg. In the spring of 1865, the regiment was assigned to duty at Camp Butler Illinois. The governor of Michigan authorized the Regiment to recruit up to full strength, which was quite unusual and an indication of the reputation that that the men had fought so hard to earn. The regiment was part of the honor guard at Lincoln's Funeral in Springfield, Illinois. A month later, the regiment returned to Detroit and was mustered out on June 30, 1865.