Calhoun County MI Archives History .....The First Michigan State Troops (Civil War) 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Robin Ellis -- July 17, 2007, 12:30 pm

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 also fueled the pubic's interest in the state 
militia. The conflict had such an effect the legislature passed an act 
authorizing the establishment of the "Michigan State Troops." The plan was to 
take existing volunteer companies and, if they desired, incorporate them into 
the Michigan State Troops. The organization was similar to the National Guard, 
as far as the state was concerned. In 1891, the name was changed to Michigan 
National Guard. 

The organization of volunteer companies was finally recognized as a sensible 
and logical move, so upon the reorganization of 1870, the old idea of 
the "militia" was dropped and total reliance for state defense was placed upon 
the Michigan State Troops. Units in the following cities were once part of the 
Michigan State Troops, and are still active in the Michigan National Guard 
today: Ann Arbor, Adrian, Jackson, Lansing, Ypsilanti, Coldwater, Grand Rapids, 
Muskegon, and Calumet.

At the end of 1872, the state's military force consisted of nine companies. 
However, during 1873-74, seven more companies were added, forming two regiments 
(the First and Second) of eight companies each.

Letter designations, locations, and original dates of muster of the First 
Regiment, under Colonel William H. Withington, of Jackson, were as follows:  
--Company A, Detroit, November 16,1855 
--Company B, Ann Arbor, September 22, 1868 
--Company C, Detroit, March 25, 1870 
--Company D, Adrian, August 15, 1970 
--Company E, Tecumseh, December 29,1870 
--Company F, Monroe, December, 29,1870 
--Company G, Hudson, April 1, 1872 
--Company H, Ypsilanti, December 25,1872
 
Letter designations, locations, and original dates of muster of the Second 
Regiment were as follows: 
--Company A, Coldwater, November 17,1871 
--Company B, Flint, October 18, 1872 
--Company C, Grand Rapids, November, 26,1872 
--Company D, Kalamazoo, March 4,1873 
--Company E, Bay City, April 18, 1874 
--Company F, East Saginaw, April 13,1872 
--Company G, Port Huron, April 16, 1874 
--Company H, Marquette, July 24,1874.

During the years between the 1870 reorganization and the Spanish-American War 
in 1898, the State Troops increased in number, efficiency, and preparedness. 
New units were added and those that dropped below standards were disbanded.

By 1876, the State Troops' strength stood at 1,792 and was organized into 24 
companies. Rifle practice was emphasized and the soldiers participated in many 
civil celebrations and parades and aided the civil authorities in keeping law 
and order on several occasions.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/calhoun/history/other/firstmic5ms.txt

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