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150th Anniversary

Thank God for Michigan

Thank God for Michigan

A Grand Rapids Album, 1850–1875

During the evening's reception and dinner, a selection of photographs from Grand Rapids' early decades was projected on two large screens showing what the city was like during Solomon Withey's time. The images are divided into three separate presentations.

The Early Years

The Civil War Years

Peace and Prosperity

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Memories

150th Anniversary Photo Gallery - photos of the celebration by Dianne Carroll Photography

Portraits of Justice - a booklet produced by the U.S. Courts Library for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals

Challenge Coin

Withey was our first district court judge. On March 12, 1863, President Lincoln nominated him, when he was a 42-year-old Grand Rapids lawyer, as U.S. district judge for the newley-created Western Distdrict of Michigan. This occurred at the midpoint of the Civil War and at the low point of the Union's prospects for victory.

Our First District Judge and the Civil War, by David J. Gass. Read More