Michigan is Amazing

February 9, 1864

Lieutenant Colonel William McCreery escaped from Libby Prison.

In one of the Civil War’s great prison escapes, William McCreery of Flint was one of many Union officers who tunneled their way out of the famed rebel prison. McCreery, who entered service in May 1861 as a sergeant in the Second Michigan Infantry, eventually resigned his commission on account of the many wounds he received during the war.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.

February 5, 1838

Detroit’s militia company, the Brady guards, was mustered into service during the Patriot War in Canada.

In 1832, at the end of the Black Hawk War, the Detroit City Guards were disbanded. A number of young men, including some former members of the Detroit City Guard, formed a new independent, volunteer company in Detroit on April 2, 1836. The organization was soon renamed the Brady Guards after Brigadier General Hugh Brady. In 1855, the Brady Guards became the Detroit Light Guard. This unit has had a continuous existence to the present-day and is now Company A, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.

February 4, 1843

Stevens T. Mason, Michigan’s first governor, died of pneumonia in New York City at the age of 31.

Mason, born in Virginia in 1811, came to Michigan with his father, who was appointed territorial secretary in 1830. Mason succeeded his father as secretary in 1831. When the territorial governor died in 1834, Mason became acting governor. In this new role, Mason led the territory into the two-year struggle to become a state. Although Michigan did not become a state until January 26, 1837, Mason had been elected the first state governor in October 1835. He was re-elected in 1837, but did not seek a third term because of controversy surrounding the state’s $5 million loan for internal improvements. Mason moved to New York City after leaving office. He married and fathered three children. On February 1, 1843, he became sick, dying three days later. He is buried in Detroit.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.

February 3, 1838

The Michigan Central Railroad began service.

Railroad cars drawn by a locomotive named Governor Mason, reached Ypsilanti from Detroit on the first run of the Michigan Central. The train, whose passengers included the governor, was met by an enthusiastic crowd. Dinner was served and toasts were drunk. On the return trip the engine broke down and horses dragged the cars back to Detroit.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.