The land, accustomed to peace, had minimal military experience, primarily limited to casual militia gatherings. These events featured clumsy drills, social interactions, and community festivities, where locals would feast and children would watch with mixed feelings of derision and admiration for the soldiers. When conflict arose, the soldiers were largely idealized as minutemen, engaging in battles where the true danger seemed distant and abstract, often felt only by the enemy.

In the lead up to the Civil War and specifically Fort Sumter, the Michigan legislature was considering legislation to allow the governor to form two additional militia regiments. This reflects the growing urgency and seriousness of military preparation, contrasting sharply with the previously informal approach to local defense and the lighthearted nature of militia musters.