During a torrential rainstorm on the night of July 4-5, 1863, the Michigan Cavalry Brigade moved to intercept the retreating Army of Northern Virginia by attacking the miles-long wagon train of the Second Corps and its cavalry escort at Monterey Pass. In the narrow pass, the opposing troops collided in hand-to-hand combat. The 5th Michigan Cavalry, led by Colonel Russell A. Alger, later Secretary of War and Governor of Michigan, charged up the eastern slope and across Red Run Creek Bridge. Although little could be seen ahead, Union forces prevailed, and by 3:00 A.M. had taken many supplies and captured thirteen hundred Confederate prisoners. The Michigan Cavalry Brigade had been formed in December 1862 from the 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan Cavalry regiments under General Joseph T. Copeland, and in June 1863 the 1st Michigan Cavalry and Battery M, 2nd U.S. Artillery, completed the brigade. On the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg, George A. Custer assumed command upon his promotion to brigadier general. On July 3, 1863, the brigade helped repulse General J.E.B. Stuart’s Confederate cavalry, then went on to fight in every major campaign of the Army of the Potomac until General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. Nine brigade members received Medals of Honor for heroism during the Civil War.

Photo: Larry Gertner

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Photo: Don Morfe

Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania · USA