The First Michigan Infantry was mustered into service in August, 1861 and completed its organization in September 16, 1861 by the addition of two detachments sent from the rendezvous. From Mechanicsville, June 26 to Fredericksburg, December 13 and 14, 1862, it participated in eight engagements losing its Colonel (Roberts), ten officers and eighty-eight men in these actions.

During the year 1863, the command served in three engagements, eight heavy skirmishes and two reconnoisances, losing thirty men on the field and sixteen by disease. In 1864 the continued service of the command resulted in the loss of twenty-three men in action. During this year this regiment was reorganized, furloughed, returned and played a brilliant part in the campaigns of 1864. Its last important meeting with the enemy was at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865. It was discharged at Jackson, July 12, 1865, having served in fifty-two battles winning honors in each.