Benjamin F. Rittenhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Franklin Rittenhouse
|
|
|---|---|
Captain Benjamin F. Rittenhouse, 1872
|
|
| Born | December 15, 1839 Berwick, Pennsylvania |
| Died | March 6, 1915 (aged 75) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army, Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1874 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands held | Battery D, 5th U.S. Artillery |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Benjamin Franklin Rittenhouse (born December 15, 1839 – died March 6, 1915) was an important officer in the United States Army during the American Civil War. He is best known for his brave actions at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Early Life and Joining the Army
Benjamin Rittenhouse was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania. He was one of nine children. When the American Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. He became a second lieutenant in a special artillery unit called Battery D, 5th United States Artillery. This unit was led by Lieutenant Charles E. Hazlett.
Hero at Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a very important battle during the Civil War. On the second day of the battle, Rittenhouse's artillery unit was sent to the top of a hill called Little Round Top. It was very hard to move their heavy cannons up the steep, rocky slope. But they managed to do it by hand!
Even though they got the cannons up, it was difficult to use them effectively. Confederate snipers were shooting at them constantly. Also, the cannons couldn't aim low enough to hit enemy soldiers who were attacking close by. During the intense fighting, Lieutenant Hazlett was badly wounded and died. Benjamin Rittenhouse then took command of the battery.
On the third day of the battle, a huge attack called Pickett's Charge happened. Benjamin Rittenhouse was with General Henry Jackson Hunt, who was in charge of the Union artillery. They tried to figure out how many cannons the Confederates had. Later, Rittenhouse was able to fire his cannons into the side of the attacking Confederate soldiers. This helped stop the charge and was a very important moment in the battle.
Because of his bravery and skill, Rittenhouse was promoted to captain in August 1864. He was also promoted to major in March 1865.
Life After the War
After the war, Benjamin Rittenhouse married Elizabeth Shapter in 1868. They had four children together. Rittenhouse retired from the United States Army in October 1874, holding the rank of captain. He and his wife are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous military cemetery.
