Charles Lane Fitzhugh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Lane Fitzhugh
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General Charles Lane Fitzhugh
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| Born | August 22, 1838 Oswego, New York |
| Died | September 16, 1923 (aged 85) Cobourg, Ontario, Canada |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1868 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 6th New York Cavalry 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Lane Fitzhugh (born August 22, 1838 – died September 16, 1923) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a colonel and was later honored as a brevet brigadier general. This special title was given to him for his bravery and skill during the war.
Early Life
Charles Lane Fitzhugh was born on August 22, 1838, in Oswego, New York. He went to Yale University for a time. Later, he became a cadet at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point.
Military Career
Fitzhugh joined the United States Military Academy in 1859. However, he left in September 1861 to join the Union Army and help with the war effort. He became a first lieutenant in the 4th United States Regular Artillery in October 1861.
From 1861 to 1863, he worked as an Aide-de-Camp (a personal assistant) for Major General Don Carlos Buell. This included serving during the Shiloh Campaign in April 1862.
Fitzhugh then took command of Battery C of the 4th Regular Artillery. He led this unit in all the Army of the Potomac's battles and campaigns in Virginia during 1864.
On December 24, 1864, he was made a Colonel of Volunteers. He was given command of the 6th New York Volunteer Cavalry on February 18, 1865. His main role, though, was to lead the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. This division was part of Major General Philip Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah.
He led this brigade from January 15, 1865, until the war ended on May 29, 1865. After that, from May 29 to June 17, 1865, he commanded Brigade 2, Division 1, Cavalry, XXII Corps. On June 17, 1865, he was put in charge of the 2nd New York Provisional Cavalry. He left the volunteer service on August 6, 1865.
On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Fitzhugh for a special honor. He was appointed a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This was for his "gallantry, energy and ability" (bravery, energy, and skill). The United States Senate approved this on March 12, 1866.
Later, on July 17, 1866, President Johnson nominated him again. This time, he was appointed a brevet brigadier general in the U.S. Regular Army. This was for his "gallant and meritorious services in the field during the war" (brave and excellent service during the war). The U.S. Senate confirmed this on July 23, 1866.
After the war, he returned to his Regular Army rank of lieutenant. He served in the forces during the Reconstruction period. He left the army on May 21, 1868.
Later Life
After leaving the military, Charles Lane Fitzhugh worked in steel manufacturing. He continued in this field until he retired.
He passed away at the age of 85 in 1923. He died in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. His burial place is at Arlington National Cemetery.
