Michigan and the Civil War Opening April 10 Drawn from the MSU
Museum's historical collection, the exhibit highlights Michigan
connections in the Civil War. Notably, the entire first
graduating class of the Michigan Agricultural College (now MSU)
was excused before the graduation ceremonies in 1861 so that
they could join the Union Army. Another thread: Luther Baker,
the man who led the capture of Lincoln's assassin, was a
Michigan native who returned to Lansing after the war. Several
artifacts relate to Civil War General John G. Parkhurst from
Coldwater, Mich., who spent time in the notorious Confederate
Libby Prison. Other artifacts include Civil War uniforms,
weapons, camp goods, medical equipment -- including an
amputation and surgery kit -- and objects relating to the
assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Related, from MSU
Press: "The 4th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War," by Martin
N. Bertera and Kim Crawford Finalist: 2010 U.S. Army Historical
Foundation Distinguished Writing Award