The 17th was founded in 2018 as a regiment in War of Rights. Our regiment is dedicated to being a fun place to hang out, while trying to uphold the best tradition of the real 17th Michigan. We like to kick ass and have a good time doing it!
THE HISTORY OF THE 17TH MICHIGAN
The 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry was organized at Detroit, Michigan, between August 8 and 22, 1862. Most of the soldiers in the regiment were from south-central Michigan, and Company E was composed largely of students from Michigan State Normal College, today known as Eastern Michigan University. Due to the large number of students in its ranks, Company E acquired the nickname "Normal Company". The regiment trained at Fort Wayne under their first commander, Colonel William H. Withington, until August 27 when they left for Maryland. At the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland, on September 14, 1862, the regiment saw its first major action. Although they took heavy casualties, the 17th performed well for an untried unit and earned the nickname "Stonewall Regiment." Three days later, the 17th participated in the Battle of Antietam as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, IX Corps. Eight men from the regiment were awarded the Medal of Honor for their conduct during the war. Captain Christian Rath of the 17th Michigan, G Company, acted as the executioner at the hanging of four people convicted of involvement in the assassination of President Lincoln: George Atzerodt, David Herold, Lewis Powell, and Mary Surratt.
