“My Brave Mechanics: The 1st Michigan Engineers & Their Civil War” by Mark Hoffman (Bicknell: 14-15)

This presentation, based upon the book published by Wayne State University Press, tells the story of the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics Regiment during the Civil War. As volunteer engineers for the Union army, the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics regiment was made up of skilled artisans, craftsmen, railroad men, and engineers whose behind-the-scenes work was crucial to the Union victory. Charged with maintaining the Union supply line in the western theater, the engineers constructed and repaired a staggering number of bridges, blockhouses, fortifications, railroads, and telegraph lines to keep the Union army functioning in the aftermath of battle. "My Brave Mechanics" traces the history of this little-known unit, revealing their substantial engineering accomplishments as well as their combat experience.

Mark Hoffman is deputy department director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries. His book, “My Brave Mechanics: The First Michigan Engineers and Their Civil War” received a State History Award in 2007 and a Michigan Notable Book Award in 2008. His book is available for purchase from Wayne State University Press: https://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/my-brave-mechanics.

About the Bicknell Lecture Series:
In 1987, Dr. Frank Bicknell, a long time Grosse Pointe resident and well-known Detroit Medical Center urologist, celebrated his 80th birthday. His daughter and son-in-law established the Grosse Pointe Historical Society's Bicknell Fund to mark his milestone birthday. This fund established the Dr. Frank Bicknell Lecture Series; all Bicknell Lectures are free of charge and open to everyone.

Видео “My Brave Mechanics: The 1st Michigan Engineers & Their Civil War” by Mark Hoffman (Bicknell: 14-15) канала Grosse Pointe Historical Society