Courthouse Historical Display

The Ingham County Courthouse contains numerous artifacts from the early days. There are displays of Native American points and tools. Included are traps that were used in the early 1800's, as well as clothing, household items, Bibles and prayer books.

We are fortunate to have a nice display of military relics including a dagger from the Revolutionary War, 1775 Bunker Hill battlefield. There is a bayonet from the War of 1812 in a wall display, many items from the Civil War, 1861-1865, a flag and picture of Spanish American War troops from Ingham County and several helmets and other items from World War I and World War II.

The Civil War collection includes a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, recruiting posters, playing cards, a canteen, cup, bar of soap, mirror, razor, pictures and framed posters.

There were more than 2000 troops from Ingham County among the 90,000+ troops from Michigan that served in the Civil War.

The officer's sword and belt were presented to Lucious H. Ives by the citizens of Stockbridge when he became a 2nd Lieutenant, Company B, 26th, Michigan Infantry Regiment on September 1, 1862. They were carried by him throughout the Civil War. The 26th Michigan fought in many campaigns and Ives was promoted to Major near the end of the war. In April, 1865 the regiment, commanded by Ives, was in hot pursuit of General Lee and his army. It was through its skirmish line at Appomattox Courthouse that General Grant operated with his flag of truce arranging the terms of General Lee's surrender. In 1870, Colonel Ives donated these items and a confederate sabre.