120th anniversary of the Dedication of “Defense of the Flag” – Soldiers and Sailor Monument. 6-14-2024, Hosted by the 1st Michigan Infantry Company B & Austin Blair Camp #7, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Photos by Bart Hawley, JTV.
120th anniversary of the Dedication of “Defense of the Flag” – Soldiers and Sailor Monument. 6-14-2024, Hosted by the 1st Michigan Infantry Company B & Austin Blair Camp #7, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Photos by Bart Hawley, JTV.
The bronze and granite statue was built to pay tribute to the 3, 232 men of the 1st and 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry of the Civil War. The sculpture, by Lorado Taft, was commissioned by General William H. Withington and was dedicated on Flag Day in 1904.
On top of the stone base is a group of three figures, the work of the sculptor, Lorado Taft. The oldest of the three soldiers kneels with musket at alert, the middle soldier holds aloft a waving regimental flag, and the youngest figure clutches a serious chest wound. The group may portray members of the 17th Michigan Infantry at the battle of South Mountain on September 15, 1862.
W. H. Withington, of Jackson, served as Captain of the 21st Michigan Infantry Company B, the Jackson Greys, for three months. He was captured at the battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861 and was exchanged on January 30, 1862. He was appointed Colonel of the 17th Michigan Infantry on August 11, 1862. On March 13, 1863 he was brevetted Brigadier General of United States Volunteers for his gallant conduct with his regiment at the battle of South Mountain, and was honorably discharged on March 31, 1863. On January 7, 1895, Withington was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the First Battle of Bull Run.
The monument was presented to the City of Jackson by General Withington on May 30, 1903.
History courtesy of Jay Ford, Commander, 1st Michigan Infantry Company B, Jackson Greys.
