Dexter Civil War Days Adds Participants to Lineup

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by the Dexter Area Historical Society.

Coordinators for the inaugural at Gordon Hall in Dexter recently announced several additions to the June 10-12 event's exciting lineup.

Chief among the newcomers are the re-enactors of the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The infantry was organized in Detroit, with Company E noted for its roll dominated by men from Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. According to the group's website, most of the enlistees were affiliated with Eastern Michigan University. Currently based in Livonia, the unit’s goal is to provide visitors with a “first person” impression of the life of a Civil War soldier in and out of camp.

Additionally, the U.S.S. Michigan Marine Guard will be on hand to represent the history of early Marines, whose primary duty was to provide security for the Navy’s first iron-hulled warship. The U.S.S. Michigan plied the Great Lakes from 1843 to 1912.

These groups join the previously announced 4th Michigan Infantry military and civilian units and Battery B of the 1st Michigan Light Artillery. In addition, Regimental Quartermaster Sgt. Tom Patton and his full-scale replica covered wagon will provide an entertaining glimpse into the day-to-day supply requirements of an 1860s army. The St. Patrick’s Boychoir of St. Patrick’s Church in Ann Arbor will help kick off the weekend by opening for the Towne Band in a free lawn concert on June 10 at Gordon Hall.

Civil War Days will be held at Gordon Hall, 8347 Island Lake Rd. in Dexter, in conjunction with the country’s sesquicentennial memorial of the Civil War.

The event website provides an event overview, a complete schedule for the weekend, information about the participants, information about the Lincoln Dinner and maps showing visitors where the event is being held.