Jackson in Jackson County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Camp Blair
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 31, 2012
1. Camp Blair Marker
During the the American Civil War (1861-1865) one of Michigan's military headquarters was In Jackson. Camp Blair was planned 1863 as a draft rendezvous point and as a center for convalescing troops. Named for incumbent governor Austin Blair, a Jackson resident, it was built on this site to house 2,500 soilders. The 11-acre camp comprised offices, a hospital, barracks, and store-houses. The first troops arrived during the spring of 1864. In the year following the war over 22,000 Michigan troops returned home via Camp Blair. The June 27, 1866, Jackson Weekly Citizen reported demolition of the camp started: "It will only be remembered among the histories of the Great Rebellion." The location of Camp Blair was lost until members of Sons of Union Veterans researched the site site 2006.
Erected 2007 by State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number S0703.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1834.
Location. 42° 15.135′ N, 84° 25.777′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Michigan, in Jackson County. Marker is on Wildwood, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camp Blair: Major Military Headquarters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jackson County Korean Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gold Star Mothers Of Jackson County World War II Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jackson County World War II Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Michael M. Medley Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Unknown Soldiers Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jackson County World War I Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jackson County Spanish War Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.
More about this marker. The Michmarkers.com site lists this marker at an incorrect location appoximately .1 mile east. at 1212 Wildwood. Also at N42.2522167 W84.4274425 which is the backyard of a private residense.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 31, 2012
2. Camp Blair Marker
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 31, 2012
3. Camp Blair Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. This page has been viewed 999 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on November 19, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 11, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
