6th
Regiment Michigan
Volunteer
Cavalry
Regiment Michigan
Volunteer Cavalry
1862-1865
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The Sixth Cavalry was organized at Grand Rapids, under the authority granted to the honorable F.W. Kellog, by the War Department, approved by the Governor. Its recruitment being completed, it was mustered into the service of the United States on the 13th. of October, 1862, with 1229 officers and men on its rolls.The Regiment left its rendezvous at Grand Rapids, fully mounted and equipped, but not armed, on the 10th. of December, 1862, under the command of Colonel George Gray, with orders to proceed to Washington.
While in the field in 1863, a flag was procured and presented to the Sixth, by General James Kidd, of Ionia, then a Major in the Regiment. This flag was borne through many battles, and is now in the possession of the state. In the latter part of 1864, the citizens of Ionia had made a handsome silk flag, which was delivered to the Regiment by the honorable James Kidd, of Ionia.
This flag, after being carried through the war, was taken with the Regiment to Wyoming, on an expedition against the Indians, and was the first flag to be flown over Fort Reno, on the Powder River. It is now in the possession of the relatives of General Kidd, and is a highly prized souvenir of the Regiment.
During its entire time in the service of the United States, they were assigned to the famous, Michigan Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General George A. Custer.
ORGANIZATION
Organized at Grand Rapids, Mich., May 28 to October 13, 1862.
Mustered in October 13, 1862.
Duty at Grand Rapids, Mich., to December 10.
Left State for Washington, D.C., December 10, 1862.
Attached to Provisional Cavalry Brigade, Casey's Division, Military District of Washington to February, 1863.
Provisional Cavalry Brigade, Casey's Division, 22nd Army Corps, Dept. of Washington to March, 1863.
1st Brigade, Stahel's Cavalry Division, 22nd Army Corps to June, 1863.
2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac to March, 1864.
1st Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac and Middle Military Division to June, 1865.
District of the Plains, Dept. of Missouri to September, 1865.
District of Dakota, Dept. of Missouri to November, 1865.
Mustered out November 24, 1865.
1862-1865
| Total Enrollment | 1779 |
| Killed in Action | 49 |
| Died of Wounds | 26 |
| Died of Disease | 247 |
| Total Casualty Rate | 18.1% |
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