The Iron Brigade / The Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment

The Iron Brigade, also, The Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. . (side 1) , The Iron Brigade, The Iron Brigade became one of the most celebrated military units of the American Civil War (1861-1865). It was composed of five volunteer infantry regiments (2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana, and 24th Michigan) and Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery. These men ranked among the most gallant and effective of the Union Army. Wearing distinctive black hats, they were easily recognized by friend and foe alike. U.S.-12 (Michigan/Woodward Ave.) is named the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway in their honor., The Iron Brigade was given its nickname by General George B. McClellan as he witnessed them stand like "iron" against the enemy in Turner's Gap at the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland, September 14, 1862. They served in all major engagements of the Army of the Potomac., Iron Brigade casualties ranked among the highest of the war. The 2nd Wisconsin suffered the greatest percentage loss of the entire Union Army, the 7th Wisconsin had more men killed in battle than any other Union regiment, and the 24th Michigan sustained the greatest numerical loss of all Union regiments involved at Gettysburg. (Continued on other side). (side 2) , The Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Events on Detroit's Campus Martius spurred the patriotic citizenry to raise a special regiment from this area and so the 24th Michigan Infantry mustered into U.S. service on August 15, 1862, numbering 1,030 men. The "24th" was also known as, "The Detroit and Wayne County Regiment," as enlistments totalled 428 from the city and 479 from the townships. Commanded by Colonel Henry A. Morrow (Recorder's Court Judge), these volunteer soldiers became part of the famous Iron Brigade and first distinguished themselves, under enemy fire, at the battle of Fredericksburg. Virginia. They fought at Chancellorsville and in three other engagements before Gettysburg , where they entered the battle with 496 men. After the first day’s fight, only 99 men remained with their flag. The sacrifice of the 24th Michigan and the Iron Brigade helped slow the Confederate advance upon Gettysburg and allowed Federal forces to gain a position for victory., The 24th Michigan struggled through 14 more battles, including the siege of Petersburg, Virginia. On May 4, 1865 the "Detroit and Wayne County Regiment" served as funeral escort for President Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. The 24th Michigan Infantry mustered out and disbanded at Detroit on June 30, 1865.