COMPANY K INDIAN VETERANS; CIVIL WAR MEM HWY S.B. 30:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 30 (as introduced 1-19-23) (Senate-passed version)
Sponsor: Senator John N. Damoose
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of Highway M-22 in Leelanau County beginning at the intersection of Highway M-22 and North Stallman Road and continuing north to the intersection of Highway M-22 and North Putnam Road as the "Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway".
BACKGROUND
In 1863, the Union s Army of the Potomac opened enlistment to Native American men in order to serve its war effort. In Michigan, 139 Anishinaabe recruits from the Ojibway, Odawa, and Potawatomi Tribes joined Company K of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters regiment.[1] Company K participated in the Union Army's Overland Campaign (1864) and the Siege of Petersburg (1864-1865).
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. Pursuant to the Act, private donations are required to erect and maintain special naming markers.
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] Michigan Public Radio, "The Story of Company K: Native Americans from Michigan who saw tough action in the Civil War," August 23, 2017.