The Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table welcomes Jack Dempsey and his presentation, "Michigan and the Civil War." Twenty years ago, the Governor issued an Executive Order calling for commemoration during the Civil War Sesquicentennial of Michigan’s role and contributions to the cause of Union and liberty. Despite the lack of State government support for appropriately teaching and educating our citizens about this great heritage, Jack will argue that the score of years since has seen unprecedented advancements in telling the rich and robust Michigan Civil War story.
Jack’s credentials as a historian include:
• President, Michigan Historical Commission 2012-17; Vice-President; Member 2007-18
• Board of Governors, Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University 2016-18
• Michigan World War I Centennial Commission, Member 2017-18
• Chairman, Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee 2008-12
• Chairman, Michigan History Foundation 2010-2012; Member 2007-2021
• Executive Director, Heritage Michigan 2017-19
• Co-Founder/Treasurer/Board Member, Michigan Civil War Association
• Board of Directors, Detroit Historic Civil War Society
• Award winning author/editor of eleven published titles and numerous periodical articles
His appearances include: C-Span, public radio and television, podcasts, historical organizations, book clubs, college and high school classes, and, perhaps most proudly, Civil War Round Tables.
It was at Darnestown that we were first made acquainted with an article of food called "desiccated" vegetables. For the convenience of handling, it was made into large, round cakes, about two inches thick. When cooked, it tasted like herb tea. From the flow of language which followed, we suspected it contained powerful stimulating properties. It became universally known in the Army as "desecrated" vegetables, and the aptness of this term would be appreciated by the dullest comprehension after one mouthful of the abominable compound. it is possible the chaplain, who over heard some of the remarks, may have urged its discontinuance as a ration, inasmuch as we rarely, if ever, had it again.
~ Charles E. Davis
13th Massachusetts Volunteers
The Battle of Pea Ridge (also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern) began on March 7, 1862, near Bentonville, Arkansas. By the second day, Union Army forces led by General Samuel R. Curtis defeated Confederate troops under General Earl Van Dorn, confirming Union control of the nearby Missouri.
Pro-slavery Missourians who periodically raided eastern Kansas were known as "Border Ruffians." Their raids were intimidating and occasionally included the killing of anti-slavery settlers.
U.S. Secretary of War Simon Cameron request a regiment of 780 men from Arkansas Governor Henry M. Rector on April 22, 1861. Rector refused. Much of the wealth in Arkansas was built on slave labor, so the state favored the right to own slaves. Arkansas seceded from the Union on May 6.
Membership fees for the 2025-2026 season are $30.00.
Checks can be made out to GRCWRT.
Get your membership/renewal form on our website
membership page or at one of our meetings.
Dues are based on the meeting year, September - June.
We are always looking for new speakers. If you would like to give a presentation to the GRCWRT, or can recommend someone, please contact our program director.
Wednesday
October 15, 2025
Jack Dempsey
Michigan
and
The Civil War
We Meet At:
Orchard View Church of God
2777 Leffingwell Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Located at the southwest corner of
3 Mile Road NE and Leffingwell Avenue NE
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Program begins at 7:00 pm
Civil War Notes
Our Next Meeting
Special Announcements:
Jack Dempsey's Book,
Michigan and the Civil War
