Issue No. 39

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🇺🇸 Michigan Made History: Memorial Day

Bonus: Before the federal government standardized Memorial Day to a Monday in 1971, individual states had to decide how—or if—they would honor the fallen.

While federal records and national narratives frequently credit New York's 1873 statute as the first official state declaration, Michigan's Act 28 of 1871 legally established the observance for state judicial and banking purposes two years earlier.

🏇 Michigan Cavalry Capture Jefferson Davis

Digest Exclusive: Did you know that the capture of Jefferson Davis led to one of the biggest media frenzies of the 19th century? Northern newspapers published over 20 different satirical cartoons mocking the Confederate president in petticoats and dresses.

While Davis and his wife Varina maintained the shawl was simply for his failing health during the escape, the image of him fleeing in a disguise—instantly foiled by his riding spurs—became an overnight legend thanks to the sharp eyes of Michigan's cavalrymen!

🚢 The Soo Locks are Completed in Michigan

Digest Exclusive: While Henry Clay thought the canal in the Michigan U.P. was a waste of time, the opening of the locks helped fuel the massive expansion of the American Railroad system and exponentially accelerated the region's Copper, Iron, and Timber booms. By the mid-20th century, the canal was handling more cargo tonnage than the Panama, Suez, and Manchester canals combined!

Henry Clay's famous quote: "It is a work beyond the remotest settlement in the United States, if not in the moon."

Tip: Click the underlined title for any moment to watch on YouTube for free!

In issue #38 from last week, we noted that Elliott Roosevelt committed suicide. While we were aware he survived the initial attempt, our original sources attributed his death the next day directly to that event.

Further research revealed this wasn't the case. While he did jump from a window on August 13 and survive the initial fall, his tragic death the next day was not directly attributed. His heavily compromised system ultimately succumbed to a violent seizure and heart failure the following evening, brought on by advanced alcoholism and delirium tremens.

Thanks to the sharp-eyed reader who helped us set the record straight!

On May 25, 1861, Sarah Emma Edmonds officially mustered into Company F of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry under the male alias of Franklin Thompson.

Serving for nearly two years as a field nurse and mail orderly, she braved major campaigns such as First Bull Run and the Peninsula before contracting malaria and fleeing in 1863 to avoid gender discovery.

Through a landmark act of Congress on July 5, 1884, her desertion charge was removed and she was granted a veteran's pension, establishing an invaluable legal precedent for the formal recognition and compensation of female combat veterans.

Founded in 1946 in Richland, MI, before relocating to Augusta in 1949, the Barn Theatre stands as Michigan’s oldest resident Equity summer-stock theater and a legendary training ground that helped launch the careers of stars like Jennifer Garner and Lauren Graham.

Managed by the second and third generations of the Ragotzy family, this iconic venue is currently gearing up for its milestone 80th season. Enjoy top-tier musical theater in a charming, converted barn setting followed by its famous post-show cabaret "The Bar Show" in the Rehearsal Shed.

Explore the upcoming summer lineup and reserve tickets on the official Barn Theatre School website.

I’ve loved history for as long as I can remember, especially U.S. military history. It’s one of my favorite subjects to read about and the inspiration behind most of my show and movie watchlists. Yet, even after decades of diving into these stories, I’m constantly learning new things.

While these moments are fascinating, they are often deeply tragic, too. In honor of Memorial Day, this week we highlighted some major milestones in U.S. military history with deep Michigan roots.

For instance, I’ve long known that a Michigan cavalry unit captured the fleeing Confederate President Jefferson Davis. But I had no idea our state was the first in the country to make Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) an official legal holiday.

It’s inspiring to see how Michigan consistently led the way during our nation's most pivotal moments. Speaking of leading the way, don’t miss this week’s trivia question!

Until next week, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest.
— Zac and the Welcome Home History Team.

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