Albert Miller Lea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Miller Lea
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Albert Miller Lea
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| Born | July 23, 1808 |
| Died | January 16, 1891 (aged 82) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Engineer, Dragoons |
Albert Miller Lea (born July 23, 1808 – died January 16, 1891) was an American engineer and soldier. He was part of the Dragoons, a type of mounted soldier. In 1835, he explored and mapped parts of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
Contents
Albert Miller Lea's Life
Early Years and Education
Albert Miller Lea was born in Richland, Tennessee. This was a small village near Knoxville. He attended the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He was a very good student. He graduated fifth in his class of 33 cadets in 1831.
A Career in Engineering
Because he did so well at West Point, Lea was assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers. This group builds things like forts and roads. He worked at Fort Des Moines in the Iowa Territory. He left the Army in 1836.
In 1837, even though he was young, he became the Chief Engineer for the state of Tennessee. He then worked for the U.S. government. His job was to figure out the border between Iowa and Missouri. From 1839 to 1840, he helped build the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This was one of the first major railroads in the U.S.
Later, he became a brigadier general in the Iowa militia. A militia is a group of citizens who can be called to serve as soldiers. He also worked as the chief clerk for the U.S. War Department. This department was in charge of the country's military.
In 1844, he earned a master's degree in engineering. He then taught at East Tennessee University in Knoxville. From 1849 to 1854, he was the city engineer for Knoxville. He also managed a glass factory. In 1855, he moved to East Texas.
During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Albert Miller Lea was an engineering officer. He served in the Confederate States Army. He held the rank of major and later lieutenant colonel.
A sad event happened during the Battle of Galveston on January 1, 1863. His 25-year-old son, Edward Lea, was a lieutenant commander. He served in the Union Navy. Edward was badly hurt while on his ship, the USRC Harriet Lane. Albert Lea was among the Confederate officers who took over the captured ship. He found his son just before he passed away.
Later Years and Legacy
After the war, Lea lived in Galveston for several years. In 1874, he moved to Corsicana, Texas. There, he bought a farm. He died in 1891 from heart failure. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana.
The city of Albert Lea, Minnesota, is named in his honor.
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Albert Miller Lea
