Andrew Porter (Civil War general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Porter
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| Born | July 10, 1820 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | January 3, 1872 (aged 51) Paris, France |
| Place of burial |
Elmwood Cemetery (Detroit, Michigan)
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Provost Marshal General of the Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War: • First Battle of Bull Run • Peninsula Campaign |
| Spouse(s) | Margaretta Falconer Biddle |
Andrew Porter (born July 10, 1820 – died January 3, 1872) was an American army officer. He became a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was an important helper to General George B. McClellan. This was during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Porter worked as the Provost Marshal for the Army of the Potomac. This role meant he was like a military police chief.
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Early Life and Family
Andrew Porter was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This happened on July 10, 1820. His father was George Bryan Porter. He was a governor of the Michigan Territory. Andrew Porter's grandfather was also named Andrew Porter. He was an officer in the Revolutionary War.
Andrew Porter also had a famous cousin, Horace Porter. Horace later became a Union general too. Andrew went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He studied there for about six months in 1836 and 1837.
Military Career
Andrew Porter had a long career in the military. He fought in two major wars.
Mexican–American War Service
Porter started as a first lieutenant. This was in the 1st Mounted Rifles. He fought in the Mexican–American War. This war took place from 1846 to 1848. He was quickly promoted to captain. He was also honored for his bravery. He even got promoted two ranks to lieutenant colonel. After this war, Porter spent 14 years working at different forts. He also fought a duel in Texas. His opponent was James J. Archer. Archer later became a general for the Confederates.
Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Porter was a colonel. He was part of the 16th U.S. Infantry. In May 1861, he became a brigadier general. He led a brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run. This was one of the first big battles of the war.
Later, he became the Provost Marshal General. This was for the Army of the Potomac. This army was very important for the Union. His job was like being the head of military police. He made sure order was kept. He also managed prisoners and supplies. He served in this role during the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. This was a major Union effort to capture the Confederate capital. Porter left the army in April 1864. He left because of health problems.
A famous photographer named Mathew Brady took a picture of Porter. This photo was taken around 1862.
Personal Life and Legacy
Andrew Porter married Margaretta Falconer Biddle. She came from the well-known Biddle family. Her father, John Biddle, was also a military officer. He was also a politician in Michigan.
Porter moved to Paris, France, to try and get better. But he died there in 1872. His body was brought back to the United States. He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.
After the Civil War, many streets in Washington, D.C. were named after Union generals. One street in the city is named Porter Street, NW. This was done to honor Andrew Porter.
Images for kids
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Porter in 1862. This photo was taken by Mathew Brady.
