Ionia - Home of the 21st Michgan Infantry Wm H Borden Post 211 GAR Memorial
Ionia County Courthouse
Ionia, Ionia County
"In memory of Wm H Borden Post 211 GAR
Dept of Mich. G.A.R."
"Though we die, we shall live again"
The citizens of Michigan ardently supported the Union in 1861 and Ionia County provided 2,484 men, more than its share of soldiers and sailors for the cause. That also means Michigan had more than its share of casualties. In summer of 1862 the 21st Michigan Infantry formed up at 'Camp Sigel', just about 1/2 mile east of the courthouse. When they marched off they knew that many would not return but, without hesitation, they eagerly departed on their adventure to save the Union.
The Christian sentiment found on the small four sided monument to the WRC and GAR chapters is rare, but typifies that of these pioneer people who had made their homes along the Grand River. Many small villages in the area, like Hubbardston a few miles east and north of Ionia, bade farewell to as many as one third of their young men. They were young and old, from ages 17 to 47. Probably a few were younger and lied about their ages to gain entry, as did a few of the older men.
This monument, erected in 1906, sits on the courthouse lawn along with others that commemorate later wars. The courthouse itself is a great example of the pioneer architecture of the Ionia County, and the entire downtown area is much the same as it was when the boys returned from that war and began to build the foundations of a thriving community. My suggestion to visitors here is to park your vehicle and walk around the historic areas and imagine what it was to have been a veteran of the Grand Army of the Republic in the 1880's. It's easier than you may expect, but don't forget to brush the crumbs from your moustache after you have eaten lunch.
