Upcoming Civil War events in Michigan

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. With the anniversary comes a renewed interest and some events that are annual events as well as some new events as well. These events and reenactments offer us all a chance to get a peak at what life was like for civilians and soldiers 150 years ago. It's a great chance for your kids to see history come to life. We've taken our kids to Civil War reenactments and events in the past and it has always fascinated and captivated them.

Plowshares into Swords April 12, 2011 - February 5, 2012 Special exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing explores how the Civil War changed Michigan resident's lives.

Niles - Brandywine Civil War Reenactment May 14-15th They are reenacting the Battle of Shiloh this year.

Civil War Reenactment at Walker Tavern May 14-15 Watch battle reenactments, artillery and infantry demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

Civil War Days in Branch County This Memorial Day Weekend event in Coldwater is another great Civil War history experience. The local steam-powered locomotive, Little River Railroad, provides a ride for Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln. There are vintage baseball games, an 1860's wedding, a reenactment of the Battle of Vicksburg, and much more.

Iron Ore and the Civil War August 6-7th at Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee "The Civil War and the role Michigan's iron resources played in preserving the Union will come to life when the museum hosts a weekend Civil War artillery encampment. This encampment features military and civilian camp life, cannon demonstrations, cooking demonstrations and costumed portrayals of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln."

Civil War Era Artillery Encampment August 12-13 at Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor. "Battery D, First Michigan Light Artillery, recreates army life of the period with artillery and small arms drills, cooking, soldiers' pastimes and much more! The encampment features more than 25 costumed interpreters, tents and full-scale artillery pieces, as well as authentically reproduced mess gear, small arms and other period artifacts."

Jackson, Michigan Cascades Civil War Muster August 26-28th This is the largest Civil War reenactment event in Michigan. This year they are reenacting the Battle of Bethel Church, Virginia.

Michigan 16th Infantry Civil War Reenactors at Mackinac Island September 10-11 at Fort Mackinac. "A little-known page in Fort Mackinac’s history will be revealed when a group of 16th Michigan Company reenactors depicting the Stanton Guard and the 3rd U.S. Infantry are hosted at Fort Mackinac."

Holland Civil War Muster SEPTEMBER 17 & 18, 2011, at the historic Van Raalte Farm in Holland, MI. "This year’s all-new FREE event features the 1st Battle of Bull Run (known in the South as 1st Manassas) with two days worth of music, impressions of historical figures, performances, medical scenarios, period-style vendors, and (of course) battle."

Don't forget to check out SeekingMichigan.org for an in-depth list of statewide events related to the Civil War.

Today's News across Michigan - April 11, 2011

Bringing you a smattering of some of the top news stories in Michigan headlines today, April 11, 2011. This Michigan Civil War Veteran was actually a woman - Michigan Civil War veteran, Frank Thompson, was actually Emma Edmonds who may or may not have deserted the Union Army due to an alleged affair with a married officer.

Michigan toddler gets an alcoholic drink at Applebee's - A mother ordered her son an apple juice and he received margarita mix instead.

War of 1812 road gets historical designation - Remnants of a hastily built road to Detroit during the War of 1812 received the honor of being named to the National Register of Historic Places this past January.

Skateboarders in Marquette set a new Guinness World Record - When 341 skatboarders participated in a parade on Sunday, they set a new Guinness World Record for most skateboarders in a parade.

Northern Michigan and the Civil War - Part one of a three part series chronicles the role that Northern Michigan's isolated residents played in the Civil War.

August 4, 1956 footage of Tigers versus Yankees at Briggs Stadium

On this 2011 Detroit Tigers Opening Day, let's take a stroll down memory lane to The Corner. This color footage is from an August 8, 1956 game at Briggs Stadium (later renamed Tiger Stadium) against the New York Yankees.

Here is the box score from the game -

NYY 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 4 6 0 DET 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 x - 5 9 1

Mickey Mantle hit two home runs off of Tigers great, Virgil Trucks (he pitched 2 no-hitters in 1952), but the good guys came from behind in the 8th inning on Al Kaline's second home run of the day (2 men on, no out) to win 5-4.

Five Great Moments in Detroit Tigers History

Opening Day is a special day and I thought I would round up some great moments in Tigers history. In no particular order, here are Five Great Moments in Tigers History. 1968 World Series Game 5 The Tigers trailed the St. Louis Cardinals 3 games to 1 and were 8 outs away from losing the World Series when a little Motown Magic happened.

2006 ALCS Game 4 When Magglio Ordonez cemented his name in Detroit Tigers lore.

1984 World Series Game 5 Sparky Anderson uttered those famous words, "He don't wanna walk ya" and gave Kirk Gibson the go-ahead to swing away at the next pitch. The rest, is history.

Mark "The Bird" Fidrych's 1976 Complete Game against the New York Yankees This nationally televised game launched "The Bird's" fame across the nation. The Tigers might have stunk that year, but not when The Bird was pitching. He went 19-9 that year on a Tigers team that finished 74-87.

Ernie Harwell

Bonus clip - Ernie Harwell calls the 9th inning of the final game in 1987. Detroit and Toronto battled all year long for the AL East Division and it came down to this final game.

Get ready for Tigers Opening Day with Essential Games of the Detroit Tigers

I bought this set over the long cold winter to get me through until the new season started. These are definitely great Detroit Tigers games from over the years. This has been a great way to introduce my son to my beloved Tigers and pass down the love of the Tigers my father and grandfather passed down to me. - 1968 World Series Game 5 - 1984 World Series Game 5 - Final Game at Tiger Stadium - 2006 ALCS Game 4

Bonus Highlights include 1976 Fidrych Complete Game, 1987 Clinch AL East Division, 1991 Cecil Fielder HR, 1995 Trammell and Whitaker, 2006 ALDS Game 4, 2007 Verlander No-Hitter, and many more.

I've enjoyed watching all of the old highlights and games. I would highly recommend this collection to any Detroit Tigers' fan.

One last thought. You (well, I can't anyway) can't have a Detroit Tigers Opening Day without thinking of and remembering Ernie Harwell.

Don't forget to get a 2011 schedule - Printable 2011 Detroit Tigers Schedule