Charles H. Olmstead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Hart Olmstead
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Col. Charles H. Olmstead
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| Born | April 2, 1837 Savannah, Georgia |
| Died | August 17, 1926 (aged 89) Savannah, Georgia |
| Buried |
Laurel Grove Cemetery,
Savannah, Georgia |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held | 1st Georgia Infantry Fort Pulaski Mercer's Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War: |
| Spouse(s) | Florence Williams |
| Other work | businessman |
Charles Hart Olmstead (1837–1926) was an important officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He is best known for leading soldiers at Fort Pulaski and in several major battles.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Hart Olmstead was born in Savannah, Georgia, on April 2, 1837. He later attended and graduated from the Georgia Military Institute. This education prepared him for a military career.
Military Service in the Civil War
Olmstead became a major in the 1st Georgia Infantry Regiment on May 27, 1861. His regiment was led by Colonel Hugh W. Mercer.
Commanding Fort Pulaski
In early 1861, Olmstead was put in charge of Fort Pulaski. This fort was an important defense point near Savannah. By November 1861, he had about 385 men and 48 cannons to protect the fort.
The Siege of Fort Pulaski
The Union Army began a siege and bombardment of Fort Pulaski. After a long attack, Olmstead had to surrender the fort on April 11, 1862. He was held as a prisoner for several months.
Later Campaigns
After being released, Olmstead continued to lead his regiment. They fought along the coasts of Carolina and Georgia. He also took part in the Siege of Battery Wagner. There, he commanded a group of soldiers from his own regiment and the 12th Georgia Artillery Battalion.
Key Battles
Olmstead and his regiment were later sent to Atlanta as part of Mercer's Brigade. They fought in the important Battle of Atlanta. He then served under Brigadier General James Argyle Smith during the Franklin–Nashville campaign. During this campaign, he sometimes commanded the entire brigade. He also fought bravely at the Battle of Franklin and the Battle of Nashville.
Finally, he participated in the Carolinas Campaign. He fought in the Battle of Bentonville before surrendering at Bennet's Place. This marked the end of his military service.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Charles Hart Olmstead was 29 years old. He married Florence Williams. They had three daughters named Susan, Sarah, and Florence.
Olmstead had a very successful career in business. He worked in life insurance, shipping, and banking. Later, he worked in the statistical department of Wanamaker's in New York City.
In 1912, he wrote his Memoirs, sharing his life experiences. Charles Hart Olmstead passed away in Savannah on August 17, 1926, at the age of 89. Before his death, he wrote about how grateful he was for the "goodness and mercy" he had experienced throughout his life.
