Bell ile Michigan

Bell ile Michigan Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the Bell ile Michigan?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the Bell ile Michigan?

Do you have Bell ile Michigan photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the Bell ile Michigan.

Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About Bell ile Michigan

**Bell Isle, Michigan** (often spelled "Belle Isle") does not have a standing military unit by that exact name, but the location has significant military history. Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River, served as a training and encampment site for Michigan volunteer regiments during the American Civil War. Soldiers mustered and drilled on the island before deployment to battlefronts. Although no permanent military unit was garrisoned there, Belle Isle’s role as a muster and training ground contributed to Michigan’s military efforts, especially during the 1860s. Today, the island is best known as a public park, but its military heritage remains an important chapter in Detroit’s history.

Unit Members

Gary Wolfe

U.S. Coast Guard

Bell ile MichiganView Profile

KEVIN England

U.S. Coast Guard

Bell ile MichiganView Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About Bell ile Michigan

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Island Fortification: During the 19th century, Belle Isle, located in the Detroit River, was considered as a potential site for a military fort to protect Michigan and the Great Lakes region from foreign threats. • Spanish-American War: In 1898, Belle Isle served as a temporary training and muster ground for Michigan National Guard units mobilized for the Spanish-American War. • World War I Training: Portions of Belle Isle were used for drilling and training Michigan-based military units during World War I, taking advantage of its open spaces and proximity to Detroit’s population. • Naval Militia Use: The Michigan Naval Militia, precursor to the modern Naval Reserve, conducted boat drills and maneuvers in the waters surrounding Belle Isle in the early 20th century. • Coast Guard Station: A U.S. Coast Guard station was established on Belle Isle in 1881, playing a key role in maritime safety and search-and-rescue operations in the Detroit River. • WWII Civil Defense: During World War II, Belle Isle hosted air raid drills and civil defense training for Detroit’s civilian population and local National Guard units. • Historic Armory: The Belle Isle Casino building—though best known as an event venue—was at times used as a temporary armory and staging point for Michigan soldiers. • POW Awareness: During World War II, Belle Isle was the site of several public events raising awareness and support for prisoners of war and war bond drives. • Veterans Memorial: Belle Isle features several memorials dedicated to Michigan veterans, including monuments to fallen soldiers from various conflicts. • Modern Use: While not currently an active military base, Belle Isle is still used for National Guard training exercises and public ceremonies honoring Michigan’s military history.