Andrew Jackson Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Jackson Smith
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Smith during the Civil War
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| Nickname(s) | Whiskey |
| Born | April 28, 1815 Bucks County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | January 30, 1897 (aged 81) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Place of burial |
Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1838–1869 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | XVI Corps |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
Andrew Jackson Smith (April 28, 1815 – January 30, 1897) was an important general in the United States Army during the American Civil War. He rose through the ranks to lead a large group of soldiers called a corps. He is especially remembered for his victory against Confederate General Stephen D. Lee at the Battle of Tupelo in Mississippi on July 14, 1864. General Smith, sometimes called "Whiskey," also led Union forces into Oxford, Mississippi, on August 24, 1864, where military actions took place.
Early Life and Military Start
Andrew Jackson Smith was born in a rural area of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1838. He was one of 45 students in his class.
After West Point, Smith served in the military on the western frontier. He also fought in the Mexican–American War. During this war, he briefly led a group of soldiers known as the Mormon Battalion. Later, he fought in conflicts against Native Americans in the areas that are now Washington and Oregon. He was promoted several times, becoming a first lieutenant in 1845, a captain in 1847, and a major in early 1861.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War began, Smith joined the Union Army. He became a colonel of the 2nd Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry. By early 1862, he was promoted to Brigadier General in the United States Volunteers. He then became the chief commander of the cavalry in the Department of the Missouri.
Smith later joined the Army of the Tennessee. He took part in important battles like the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou and the capture of Arkansas Post. He also led a division of the XIII Corps during the Vicksburg Campaign. After that, he commanded a division of the XVI Corps in the Red River Campaign. For his actions at the Battle of Pleasant Hill, he received a special honorary rank of colonel in the regular army.
In July 1864, Smith was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the regular army. On May 14, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him a major general in the volunteers. This appointment was confirmed by the United States Senate.
One of Smith's most notable victories was on July 14-15, 1864. He led his troops to defeat Confederate Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee at the Battle of Tupelo. In the fall of 1864, Smith led Union troops against Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price during Price's Raid into Missouri.
Smith was then called to join forces with Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville was being threatened by Confederate Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood. Smith played a key role in the major Union victory at the Battle of Nashville. He led his troops around the Confederate army's southern side. In 1865, he commanded the XVI Corps in the final campaign against Mobile, Alabama.
After the war, on April 10, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Smith to be a brigadier general in the United States Army. This was to recognize his service at the Battle of Tupelo. The Senate confirmed this appointment. He also received an honorary rank of major general for his success at the Battle of Nashville.
After the War
Andrew Jackson Smith left his volunteer commission on January 15, 1866. He then became a colonel of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. He served in the American West for a few years.
In April 1869, he retired from military service. He then became the postmaster of St. Louis, Missouri. He passed away in St. Louis on January 30, 1897. He was buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.
Images for kids
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Smith during the Civil War
