Era: April 26, 1898
Location: Michigan Central Depot, Westown
In the 1890s, Owosso was one of the smallest cities in the country to have its own National Guard Unit—a source of tremendous community pride.
On April 26, 1898, hundreds came out to bid farewell to Company G, 33rd Michigan Volunteers as they left the Michigan Central Depot in Westown to fight in the Spanish-American War.
The send-off was marked by patriotic celebration. Fortunately, the only local casualty was the officer who fell off his horse during the celebration the night before they left—a bit of comic relief in an otherwise solemn moment.