Charles Mynn Thruston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Mynn Thruston
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| Born | February 22, 1798 Lexington, Kentucky |
| Died | February 18, 1873 (aged 74) Cumberland, Maryland |
| Place of burial |
Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, Maryland
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1814–1836, 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 Seminole Wars American Civil War |
Charles Mynn Thruston (born February 22, 1798 – died February 18, 1873) was an important person in American history. He was a soldier, a farmer, and a politician. During the American Civil War, he became a brigadier general in the Union Army. He also served as the mayor of Cumberland, Maryland, from 1861 to 1862.
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Who Was Charles Mynn Thruston?
Charles Mynn Thruston was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His father, Buckner Thruston, was a U.S. Senator for Kentucky. Charles grew up to be a respected military leader and public servant.
Early Life and Military Career
Charles Mynn Thruston was very smart and dedicated. At just 16 years old, he finished his studies at the United States Military Academy in 1814. This is a famous school for training army officers.
Right after graduating, he joined the War of 1812. He worked as an engineer on Governors Island, a small island in New York City. After this war, he was promoted to captain in the artillery. Artillery means he was in charge of cannons and other large guns.
Later, in the 1830s, Thruston fought in the Seminole Wars. These were conflicts between the United States Army and Native American groups in Florida. In 1836, he decided to leave the Army. He then moved to Maryland and became a farmer.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Charles Mynn Thruston was the Mayor of Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland was a very important city because it had a major railroad hub. Railroads were crucial for moving soldiers and supplies during the war.
Protecting the Railroad
On September 7, 1861, Thruston was given a new role. He was made a Brigadier General of U.S. Volunteers. This new position gave him military power. His main job was to protect the B&O Railroad. This railroad was often attacked by Confederate raiders. These raiders were like small groups of enemy soldiers. They tried to destroy the tracks and stop Union supplies.
At 63 years old, General Thruston was one of the oldest generals serving in the Civil War. He faced a tough challenge trying to stop the Confederate raids. The raiders often managed to damage the railroad tracks.
In April 1862, General Thruston decided to resign from his position. He felt it was better for a younger commander to take over. This new commander would then be responsible for protecting the B&O Railroad from enemy cavalrymen.
Later Life
Charles Mynn Thruston passed away in Cumberland, Maryland. He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery. This cemetery is located on the west side of Cumberland.
