On February 14, 1861, an act to provide a military fund in aid of uniformed volunteer militia was passed by the state legislature. The act established a fund and a tax for the purpose of outfitting the state militia. To administer the fund, a state military board was informally created. A year later the State Military Board was officially created. The five-member board was responsible for the administration of military property and for preparation and promulgation of all articles, rules, and regulations for the government of the military force of the state, in addition to serving in an advisory capacity to the governor. In 1893 the duties of the Board were expanded, gaining broad financial powers, including the right to contract for the leasing or building of armories. Public Act 184 (1893) created a state naval militia, which the Board assumed administrative reponsibility. In 1911, the State Naval Board was created to oversee the operations of the naval militia. In 1963, both boards were transferred to the newly created Department of Military Affairs.
From the description of Records of the Michigan Department of Military Affairs, 1927-1967. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 48101562
