Thursday, November 24, 2011

They Leapt The Lines

Fort Connor
A part of Union Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer’s Michigan Brigade, the 6th Michigan Cavalry was mustered out of service November 24th 1865.

The 6th Michigan Cavalry was organized in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and mustered into Union service October 13th 1862 with 1,229 men.  The 6th was part of the famed Michigan Brigade, and saw it first actions at Hanover, Hunterstown and Gettysburg under the command of Union Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer.  The 6th made a notable charge against the retreating Confederates at Falling Waters, Maryland July 14th 1863, where they leapt their horse over the Confederate lines.
Once the Civil War ended the 6th was ordered to duty in west to fight Indians.  They received a new commander, Brigadier General Patrick Edward Connor.  They spent the summer constructing Fort Connor, a supply depot that was used during the Powder River Expedition.  The 6th mustered out of service November 24th 1865.  They lost 135 officers and enlisted who were killed in action or died of their wounds.  They also saw 251 men die from diseases.

For more information take a look at this web site  6th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Cavalry

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