July 21, 1861

The First Michigan Infantry Regiment “sees the elephant” at First Bull Run.

In the first major battle of the Civil War, the First Michigan Infantry saw action at Bull Run, south of Washington, DC. In a hard afternoon of fighting, the First performed well for inexperienced soldiers. At the end of the battle, the First’s commander, Colonel Orlando Willcox, was taken prisoner. Years after the war, Willcox was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at Bull Run.

Thank you Michigan History Magazine for this glimpse into our past.  See more at www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.