HISTORY OF THE 102nd USCT

The original regiment was created in July 1863 after an extensive editorial and letter writing campaign by Henry Barns who was then the editor of the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune. It originally was called the 1st Michigan Colored Regiment and retained that name until it was officially mustered into federal service. At that time it was redesignated the 102 United States Colored Troop (USCT). For his efforts Henry Barns was commissioned the regiment's first Colonel, a post he retained until voluntarily stepping down in favor of a regular army officer.

The regiment drew recruits not only from the Detroit and southern Michigan area but also from Ontario Canada. Men who had escaped slavery via the underground railroad and settled in Canada returned to Michigan to join up when word came that the 102nd was forming. Many desired to help fight for the freedom of family members still held in slavery.

The 102nd trained at Camp Ward in Detroit, which is the location of Duffield elementary school today. The regiment left Michigan for federal service in March 1864 and assigned to the Department of the South. Its base of operations was Beaufort SC. The 102nd saw action throughout South Carolina, Eastern Georgia and Florida. It's first test of fire came at Baldwin FL where it turned back a confederate cavalry charge with a bayonet charge of it's own. It also participated and was key in the battle of Honey Hill SC where Lt. Orson Bennett won the Congressional Medal of Honor for taking 30 men from the regiment and rescuing a battery of cannon from being captured by the rebels.

The 102nd USCT was mustered out of federal service September 30 1865 and returned to Detroit to be disbanded on October 17 1865.


THE 102nd USCT/BHG

The 102ndUSCT/Black History Group was founded in 1986 in response to the Michigan Sesquicentennial celebration. And has since participated in a number of reenactments, parades, and ceremonies in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Canada. Members are from accross Michigan and memberhip is open to women as well. Women play the part of the auxillary and as educators in school senarios involving children of the group's members.

Membership fees are $40 per person/family which funds the group and helps to defray operating costs. New members will receive a new members pack which includes the history of the 102nd and reenacting information. New members are given 1 year to purchase their equipment on their own. Until that time uniform parts can be borrowed from the group.

If you are interested in "joining the fight for freedom" and helping to portray this often overlooked piece of American History or have other questions about our regiment, please click on the "Contact Us" icon and leave your name, address, e-mail address, and phone number and we will get back with you.

Company News:
102 USCT Co. B 2010 Events:

February 26: Oakman Elementary School, Detroit. Civil War Presentation

May 18: 3 Fires Middle School, Howell. Civil War Week Appearance.

May 29 - 31: Greenfield Village - Civil War Remembrance Weekend

June 5 - 6: Lapeer MI- Civil War Living History Event

July 3: Independence Day Parade- Lansing MI

July 10 - 11: Fort Wayne (MI)- Ft. Wayne Civil War Days

August 14 -15: Milford Memories, Milford MI

August 28 - 29: Cascades Civil War Muster, Jackson MI

September 25 - 26: Bay City River of Time