Niles in the Civil War

After the surrender of Fort Sumter in April of 1861, the first company in Berrien County formed in Niles under the leadership of Captain Robert Brethschneider and became part of the 2nd Michigan Infantry Regiment. The City was also the rendezvous site for the 12th Michigan Infantry, the only regiment to train in Berrien County. Over 1000 men from Niles and the surrounding area served in the Civil War across various regiments. Watson will highlight several individuals who served, including local men who were part of the 102nd US Colored Troops.

Mollie Watson is the Assistant Director at the Niles History Center. She has a Bachelor's in Public History from Western Michigan University and a Master's of Art in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma.

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