February 17, 1864

The First Michigan Colored Infantry was mustered into federal service.

Detroiter Henry Barns commanded Michigan’s first and only African American regiment. The First, soon re-designated the 102nd U.S. Colored Infantry, left Michigan for Hilton Head, South Carolina, with an enrollment of 895 officers and men.

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