Adolph Engelmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adolph Engelmann
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| Born | February 11, 1825 Imsbach, Kingdom of Bavaria |
| Died | October 5, 1890 (aged 65) Shiloh, Illinois |
| Buried |
Shiloh, Illinois
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| Allegiance | Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein United States of America |
| Branch | Schleswig-Holstein Army United States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd Regiment of Illinois Volunteers |
| Commands held | 43rd Illinois Infantry Regiment 1st Brigade, Kimball's Division, XVI Corps 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, VII Corps |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War First Schleswig War American Civil War |
| Other work | Farmer, lawyer, postmaster |
Adolph Engelmann (born February 11, 1825 – died October 5, 1890) was an important figure in American history. He was a farmer, a lawyer, and even a postmaster. Engelmann was also a brave soldier. He fought in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he served as a Union Army colonel. Later, he was recognized as a "brevet brigadier general," which is an honorary rank.
Contents
Life and Military Service
Early Life and First Wars
Adolph Engelmann was born on February 11, 1825, in a place called Imsbach, which was then part of the Kingdom of Bavaria. When he was six years old, in 1831, his family moved to the United States.
As a young man, Engelmann joined the military. He served as a second lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Illinois Volunteers during the Mexican–American War. This war took place from 1846 to 1848 between the United States and Mexico. During this conflict, Engelmann was wounded in February 1847 at the Battle of Buena Vista.
After the war, he became a lawyer in Chicago. However, his military career wasn't over. For a short time, he also served in the army of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. This was during the First Schleswig War, a conflict in Europe that happened from 1848 to 1851.
American Civil War Service
Engelmann's most significant military service was during the American Civil War (1861-1865). This war was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy).
On December 16, 1861, Engelmann became a lieutenant colonel in the 43rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. His regiment helped guard Fort Donelson after the Union Army captured it. This was an important victory for the Union.
Engelmann then led his regiment in the fierce Battle of Shiloh. This battle, fought in April 1862, was one of the bloodiest early battles of the war. On April 12, 1862, he was promoted to colonel of his regiment. He took over command after Colonel Julius Raith, who had been his captain in the Mexican-American War, was badly wounded and later died at Shiloh.
Leading Brigades and Divisions
Even though he was the colonel of the 43rd Illinois Infantry Regiment, Engelmann often commanded larger groups of soldiers. These larger groups were called brigades and sometimes even divisions.
- From May to August 1863, he led the 1st Brigade, Kimball's Division, within the XVI Corps. During this time, he took part in the Siege of Vicksburg. This was a very important siege that helped the Union gain control of the Mississippi River.
- In September 1863, he briefly commanded the 2nd Division of the same corps. This unit was part of the Army of Arkansas. He helped capture Little Rock, Arkansas, which was another important Union victory.
- In 1864, he commanded different brigades and divisions within the VII Corps. He was involved in the Camden Expedition, which was part of the larger Red River campaign.
Engelmann finished his service with the United States Volunteers on December 16, 1864.
Honorary Promotion and Later Life
On May 18, 1866, the U.S. Senate officially confirmed Adolph Engelmann's honorary promotion. He was given the rank of "brevet brigadier general of volunteers." This special rank recognized his loyal and excellent service during the war. It was effective from March 13, 1865.
Adolph Engelmann passed away on October 5, 1890, in Shiloh, Illinois. He was buried in the Engelmann Family Cemetery in Shiloh.
