Orlando Bolivar Wilcox, a United States Military Academy graduate, led the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War and showed notable bravery at the First Battle of Bull Run. Though a Medal of Honor recipient and writer, he remains relatively overlooked. His novel, published as Major March, reflects his experiences and adds depth to his legacy.
This is Bob Myers from the Historical Society of Michigan with a Michigan History Moment.
Bob Myers:
Orlando Bolivar Wilcox fought in the Civil War from start to finish.
He was an:
Wilcox was born in Detroit in:
e published his first book in:
In:
,:
Two months later, Confederate troops defeated the Union army in the first Battle of Bull Run. Wilcox led his regiment in repeated charges against the enemy.
He was wounded and taken prisoner and later received the Medal of Honor for battlefield heroism. Wilcox was released in a prisoner exchange the next summer.
In:
In its pages, the senator found a character named Hustings who was obviously based on himself. The fictional character was vainglorious and corrupt, a small time politician whose election to Congress went to his head.
l of Honor recipient, died in:
He was interred in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery. Section 1 lies in the rear of Arlington, and few people visit the area. Its obscurity exemplifies the treatment of Wilcox during much of his life.
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