Civil War

As you may imagine, most of the historical markers found outside of Michigan are dedicated to soldiers who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War, but it's a great way to learn some Michigan and U.S. history while also paying tribute to men who gave their lives to preserve the Union.

When he was 30, Payson Wolfe enlisted in the Union Army in August of 1863 at Northport and was in the service for 3 years. He became a member of the all-Native Company K of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters.

Joseph 'Uncle Joe' Clovese is one of those men, and not only was he the last known surviving Black soldier from the Union, but the man lived to be 107 years old. But when he hit 104, he made the move from Louisiana to Pontiac, Michigan