The 1st Michigan Colored Regiment: Free Men Who Fought Slavery

Born Free & Equal

The 1st Michigan Colored Regiment was the state’s first and only African American regiment during the Civil War. Courageously enlisting amid societal turmoil, these determined men fought valiantly, on the battlefield and off, in the struggle for liberty and equality. Many hundreds of them were born in the South, yet they returned there to fight for the freedom of others. Embracing the call to duty, they defied prejudice, and their collective sacrifice not only helped to preserve the Union but also paved the way for future generations.

Weaving together personal accounts and historical context, author Maurice Imhoff vividly recounts the extraordinary journey of this unit and honors the legacy of those who stood firm in the face of adversity.

Maurice Imhoff is a Michigan historian specializing in the state’s African American Civil War regiment, the 1st Michigan Colored Infantry. In 2020, he cofounded the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society, where he actively promotes local history. Maurice’s passion for history earned him an internship at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where he collaborated with curators from the Division of Cultural and Community Life and the Division of Political and Military History. Committed to highlighting marginalized communities, Maurice continues to engage the public through his lectures and writing and community projects, ensuring that these vital stories are not forgotten.