Saturday, April 26, 2008

Michigan City's Civil War Training Ground, Camp Anderson

Patricia Gruse Harris, longtime local historian and president of the La Porte County Genealogical Society (of which I'm a member), has just published a 41-page book, Camp Anderson 1863-1864, Michigan City, IN Civil War Camp, including references for more information. If there's another book on this subject I don't know about it. Ubiquitous La Porte County historian Fern Eddy Schultz has a brief account on line at the La Porte County Historical Society site, noting that

It is assumed the camp was named for Rev. Edward Anderson, Colonel commanding the 12th Cavalry. I say “assumed” because there is no proof beyond the fact that many Civil War camps were named for their post commanders. It was under his command that the 9th Congressional District raised more volunteers than any other district in the State of Indiana.
At this spot three Indiana Civil War regiments mustered in and trained during late 1863 and early 1864: the 12th Cavalry (AKA 127th volunteers), the 128th Infantry, and the 129th Infantry.

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