Charles H. Bennett (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Bennett
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Charles H. Bennett gravemarker
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| Born | August 18, 1811 |
| Died | December 7, 1855 (aged 44) Walla Walla, Washington |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1835-1844, 1855 |
| Rank | Sergeant, Captain |
| Unit | Company A United States Regiment of Dragoons |
| Commands held | Oregon Rangers Company F, Oregon Mounted Volunteers |
| Battles/wars | Yakima War |
Charles H. Bennett (born August 18, 1811 – died December 7, 1855) was an American soldier and hotel owner. He is famous for being present when gold was first found in California in 1848. This discovery started the exciting California Gold Rush. Bennett served in the United States Army and later became a captain of a volunteer group in the Provisional Government of Oregon. In his later years, he ran a hotel in the Oregon Territory. He sadly died during the Yakima War, a conflict with Native American tribes, while serving as a cavalry captain.
Contents
Charles H. Bennett: A Pioneer's Story
Charles H. Bennett was an important figure in the early history of the American West. He was involved in major events, from military service to the discovery of gold. His life shows the spirit of adventure and challenge during a time of great change in America.
Early Life and Military Service
In 1835, Charles Bennett was a Sergeant in the United States Regiment of Dragoons. This was a cavalry unit, like soldiers who ride horses. He was stationed at Fort Leavenworth under General Stephen W. Kearny. In 1844, he moved from Fort Leavenworth to Oregon.
In May 1846, while in Oregon, Bennett helped create a mounted rifle company called the Oregon Rangers. He was chosen to be the captain of this new group.
The California Gold Discovery
In 1847, Bennett traveled from Oregon Country to California. There, he worked as a carpenter for James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill. This was a sawmill located near a river. It was at Sutter's Mill that gold was famously discovered.
James Marshall claimed that when he found the gold in the mill's water channel, Bennett was about half a mile away. However, Stephen Staats, a friend of Bennett's, told a different story. Staats wrote a letter to the Oregon Statesman newspaper. He said that Bennett was with him and was the first person to see the shiny gold dust.
Staats wrote: "Bennett... was the first one that beheld the glittering dust when water was turned into the race... we have always claimed that an Oregon man, Bennett, was the first one whose eagle eye beheld the shining ore." This means that some people believe Charles Bennett was actually the first to spot the gold that led to the California Gold Rush.
Building the Bennett House Hotel
After the gold discovery, Bennett returned to Oregon. In 1850, he built the Bennett House hotel in Salem, Oregon. This hotel became a very important place in the town. In 1852, he made the hotel even bigger by adding a new section.
The Bennett House became the main hotel in Salem. Many important people stayed there. During the winter of 1852–1853, almost the entire Oregon Territorial Legislature (the government of the Oregon Territory) stayed at the hotel. This included important figures like Judge Matthew Deady and Asahel Bush. In 1854, the U.S. Surveyor General's office for Oregon also used rooms at the Bennett House for some time.
River Adventures
Charles Bennett was also involved in river travel. He was one of several people who helped build a steamship called the Canemah. Later, in April 1854, Bennett was the captain of another steamboat, the sternwheeler Wallamet.
An unfortunate event happened while he was captain of the Wallamet. The boiler of another steamer, the Gazelle, exploded. This happened while both boats were docked at Canemah, Oregon.
Family and Final Days
Charles Bennett was married to Mary Ann Shannon.
In 1855, Bennett was promoted to Captain of Company F, Oregon Mounted Volunteers. He was killed in action during the Yakima War. This conflict took place near the Touchet River in southeastern Washington, close to Fort Wallula.
His body was brought back to Salem on the Canemah steamboat. The citizens of Salem fired a salute to honor him. He was buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery with special honors from the Masonic group. His grave has a white marble monument. It is about 6 feet tall and has a Masonic symbol of the All-seeing eye looking down on an open book. The inscription on his monument reads: "Capt. Charles Bennett. Died Dec 7 1855. Aged 41 yrs, 3 mo, 20 days. Capt. Chas. Bennett was the discoverer of gold in California, and fell in defense of his country at Walla Walla."
