Michigan’s Brave Soldiers At Gettysburg Changed History

Michigan played a large role during the Civil War to save the Union army, and they were involved in one of the most important battles of the war, the Battle of Gettysburg.

Between July 1 and July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg proved to be a turning point in the Civil War, not only leading to the Union's victory but also to the preservation of the nation.

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As Michigan History and Memories remembers, it was on July 2 when the 16th Michigan volunteers defended Little Roundtop, where they were positioned near the top of the hill and were vastly outnumbered.

The fighting basically became hand-to-hand combat for at least half an hour when things finally came to an end.

The 16th Michigan started to suffer many casualties and reinforcements were nowhere to be seen. Colonel Vincent attempted to rally the 16th Michigan by climbing on top of a rock and yelling, “Don’t give an inch!”, but was shot and fell, which became a mortal wound.

Saved By New York

Just as the 16th Michigan began to succumb to the enemy’s forces, the 140th New York came in to reinforce and fought off the confederates to hold Little Round Top.

It wasn’t just Michigan troops who served in the Civil War, but horses from Michigan as well. We recently highlighted the work of a horse named Old Sam, out of Coldwater, who saw many battles, was injured multiple times, and lived to make it back home in one piece.