Absalom Baird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Absalom Baird
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| Born | August 20, 1824 Washington, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | June 14, 1905 (aged 80) Relay, Maryland, US |
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1849–1888 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | Inspector General of the Army |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Absalom Baird was an important officer in the United States Army. He was born on August 20, 1824, and passed away on June 14, 1905. He became a brave general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. For his amazing actions in battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, which is a very special award.
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Early Life and Education
Absalom Baird was born in Washington, Pennsylvania. He went to Washington College, which is now called Washington & Jefferson College. He finished his studies there in 1841.
Later, he joined the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a famous school for training army officers. He graduated in 1849, doing very well and ranking ninth in his class of 43 students.
From 1852 to 1859, Baird taught math at West Point. One of his students was a famous artist named James McNeill Whistler. Before the Civil War, from 1859 to 1861, he served in Texas and Virginia.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Absalom Baird was promoted to a temporary rank of captain. He fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. This was one of the first big battles of the war.
In November 1861, he was promoted to major in the regular army. He then helped Maj. Gen. Erasmus D. Keyes during the Siege of Yorktown. His good work there led to another promotion. On April 30, 1862, he became a brigadier general for the U.S. Volunteers.
Key Battles and Campaigns
In April 1862, General Baird took charge of a brigade in the Army of the Ohio. He helped secure the Cumberland Gap in June 1862. This was an important mountain pass.
His troops were part of the Army of the Cumberland. Baird's division became the 1st Division of Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas's XIV Corps. It was in this role that he became well-known for his brave actions.
He fought heroically at the Battle of Chickamauga and during the Chattanooga Campaign. For his efforts at Chattanooga, he received a temporary promotion to colonel in the regular army.
Medal of Honor Action
During the Atlanta Campaign, General Baird led a daring charge. This happened at the Battle of Jonesborough on September 1, 1864. His leadership in this attack earned him the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award in the United States.
After Atlanta, Baird continued to lead his division. He marched with Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman during the famous Sherman's March to the Sea. He also fought in the Carolinas Campaign, including the Battle of Bentonville.
In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Baird for a temporary rank of major general of volunteers. This was confirmed by the U.S. Congress. He also received temporary promotions to brigadier general and major general in the regular U.S. Army.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, General Baird continued to serve the country. He commanded the military department of Louisiana. In 1867, he became an assistant inspector general.
He was promoted to Inspector General of the Army in 1885. This was a very important position. In 1887, he traveled to France to observe military exercises. There, he was honored with the title of Commander of the Légion d'honneur, a high French award.
General Baird retired from the Army on August 20, 1888. He had reached the age of 64, which was the mandatory retirement age.
Medal of Honor Awarded
On April 22, 1896, General Baird was officially awarded the Medal of Honor. This was for his brave leadership during the assault at the Battle of Jonesborough in 1864. He was also a member of several military and historical societies.
Absalom Baird passed away on June 14, 1905, in Relay, Maryland. He was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
See Also
