Photo of Historical Marker for the First Michigan Colored Regiment

Black and white photographic print of the state of Michigan Historical Marker for the First Michigan Colored Regiment, prior to its placement and dedication at the Duffield School Ground, 2700 Clinton Street at Joseph Campau in Detroit. The marker reads, "First Michigan Colored Regiment; The First Michigan Colored Regiment was organized at Camp Ward, which originally stood on this location. Formed from August through October 1863, a year of draft riots and protests against the war, this Negro regiment consisted entirely of volunteers. During training, a regimental band was formed and toured southern Michigan to recruit additional volunteers. Mustered here as the 102nd U.S. Colored Troops, February 17, 1864, the 900~man unit left Detroit March 28, 1864, for service in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. More than 1,400 men served in the regiment during 19 months in the field; ten per cent of this number died in service. The regiment was disbanded in October, 1865, in Detroit. Michigan Historical Commission Registered Site No. 288. Sponsored by the Detroit Branch, Association for the Study of Negro Life and History." Handwritten on the verso, "Michigan Historical Commission - Historic Site Marker - On Duffield School Grounds; Dedicated May 19, 1968."