Genealogists and military history aficionados will find a wealth of authoritative information in Michigan Early Military Forces, the library’s newest addition to the noncirculating Michigan Room collection. Rosters include name, rank, unit, and dates of service for all know Michigan men who served with troops activated prior to the American Civil War from 1754-1850. Wars covered include the Revolutionary War, Indian Wars, War of 1812, Black Hawk War, Toledo War, Patriot War, and the Mexican-American War.

Each roster is preceded by a very readable, concise, and entertaining history of the particular war including reasons behind the hostilities, maps of military theaters, and accounts of Michigan’s role in each war. Of particular interest to history buffs will be the coverage of the Revolutionary War period noting the role of local Indians, British garrisons at Detroit and Mackinac, and a few strategically placed Michigan men as they dominated the Northwest.

Michigan’s Early Military Forces comes with great authority as one of Michigan’s Notable Books for 2004. Roster researcher and compiler Le Roy Barnett is a former head of reference services at the State Archives of Michigan in Lansing, and Roger Rosentreter, writer of the histories, is the editor of Michigan History Magazine. Enhanced with bibliographic notes, locations of related historic sites, and organizational charts, Michigan’s Early Military Forces is sure to become known as one of the few comprehensive studies of these historical events and of the contributions made by individuals who took up arms in service to their fellow settlers and future citizens of Michigan. Come to the library, relax in the peace of the Michigan Room, and peruse an important contribution commemorating the brave souls of Michigan’s early militia which eventually became our National Guard.

Reviewed by Jen