Orlando Bolivar Willcox was born on April 16, 1823 in Detroit, Michigan. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1843. Following graduation in 1847, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery. Willcox served in the Mexican War, fought on the frontier in the Indians Wars, and in the Seminole Wars. He resigned from the Army in 1857.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Willcox was practicing law in his hometown of Detroit. He reenlisted in the military and was appointed Colonel of the 1st Michigan Infantry. He was wounded and captured in the First Battle of Manassas while in command of a brigade in Heintzelman's Division. He received the Medal of Honor for 'most distinguished gallantry' in that battle.
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Willcox also had an illustrious Civil War and post-war career.
So far I've only arrived to the year of 1861. I'm taking it one year at a time and covering all the battles and people significant to that year. More will be added as the years of the Civil War pass.
If I've missed any minor skirmish please let me know... First Bull Run was the big battle of 1861. By the start of the Civil War the year was already a quarter over and they didn't do much fighting while in winter quarters.
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