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Weapons
Weapons
Military and Veterans
American Civil War ➔ Holster

Identifier:
94024
Description:
Black Leather saddle holsters. "Dragoon Holsters" Belonged to BR Pierce.;Held 2 pistols, giving Calvary men extra firepower and more shots before needing to reload;Black Leather, brass buttons, brass endcaps
Date:
circa 1861
Materials:
Leather, Brass
Dimensions:
20 in" h 7" w 4" d
Current Location Status:
On Exhibit
Source:
Gift Of The Estate Of Byron Root Pierce
Exhibit/Program:
Thank God for Michigan: Stories from the Civil War (June 6 2011 – March 29 2015)
Thank God for Michigan was an exhibition developed by the GRPM to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.  The exhibit featured over 150 artifacts from the GRPM's collection and told the story of the Civil War through the lens of soldiers and civilians from Michigan.
Related Entity:
Estate of Byron Root Pierce (donor)
Byron Root Pierce was born in East Bloomfield, New York, and moved to Grand Rapids in 1856 to establish his dentistry practice. Here he served as captain of a militia company, the "Valley City Light Guards." 

In 1861, his company was incorporated into the 3rd Michigan Infantry as Company K. After fighting at Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, he was eventually promoted to brigadier general. Shortly after his promotion he was sent back to Grand Rapids on leave, due to illness and multiple injuries. He returned in time to fight at Saylor's Creek and was present at Appamattox. 

After the war, Pierce helped build the Michigan Soldier's Home (now the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans), and served as commandant for a time. He participated in the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.  In the 1890s he also ran a hotel before retiring from business in 1899. 

Pierce died in 1924 as Michigan's last surviving Civil War officer. He was buried in Fulton Street Cemetery.