The American Legion is a federally chartered corporation formed in Paris, France on 3-16-1919, by the American Expeditionary Forces.  With their help, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., formed the idea of an American Legion made of World War I veterans, both male and female, this was then developed at the Paris Caucus on 3-16-1919.

Forty-six delegates were selected for the St. Louis Caucus of May 8, 1919. Sergeant Werner Larsen of Ironwood was named Chairman of the delegation with Major Charles D. Kelly of Detroit the Secretary. (1)
    (1) Information from the Department of Michigan web page. 

DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN HISTORY

The Michigan Department of the American Legion held its first meeting in the Hotel Statler in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday, May 10, 1919.  The Department of Michigan was then divided into Congressional Districts with George Waldo as Temporary Chairman, Benjamin Bellows as Temporary Vice Commander, and Lyle Tabor Temporary Adjutant. 

The Michigan Department was incorporated under the state charter, and Headquarters in Detroit.  The Headquarters relocated to Lansing in 1974, while maintaining a Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation office in Detroit.  One May 17, 1919 application was made to the Michigan Patriotic Fund for money to organize a Michigan assistance for the 160,000 Michigan World War I veterans in obtaining employment and financial assistance as necessary.  The fund Trustees allotted $25,000 as the Departments first treasury. The Michigan organization worked so efficiently that by the end of July, 1919, 45 Posts, representing 2,008 members, had been granted charters with seven more in progress. 

Michigan’s first State Convention was help in Grand Rapids, October 13-15, 1920 with Colonel A.H. Gansser of Bay City Post 19 named State Commander and Lyle Tabor as State Adjutant.  At that time, Michigan had 192 Post’s covering every county in the state.  Michigan’s first ever resolution was a statement of partisan politics neutrality. This basic theme has been continued. Legislatively, the Department of Michigan enjoys a continuing positive working relationship with the Michigan Legislature, it continues to champion veterans issues, not political parties; a policy that mirrors the nations American Legion organization. (2)
    (2)  Information from the Department of Michigan web page.