Charles Zagonyi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Zagonyi
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Charles Zagonyi
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| Born | 19 October 1822 Szinyérváralja, Kingdom of Hungary |
| Died | around 1870 unknown |
| Buried |
unknown
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| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Hungary United States of America |
| Service/ |
Hungarian Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847 - 1848 (Hungary) 1861 - 1862 (USA) |
| Rank | |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Károly Zágonyi (born October 19, 1822, in Szinérváralja, Hungary – died around 1870) was a brave military officer. In the U.S., he was known as Charles Zagonyi. He first fought for his home country, Hungary. Later, he played a part in the American Civil War. He was a special aide to General John C. Frémont and led his personal bodyguard.
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Fighting for Hungary
Charles Zagonyi began his military career in Hungary. He was a first lieutenant in the Hungarian Revolutionary Army. This was during the 1848-1849 revolt. General Josef Bem chose him to lead a special cavalry company.
During this time, Zagonyi saved General Bem's life. However, he was captured by the Austrian forces. He was then held as a prisoner for two years.
Life in America
After his release, Zagonyi moved to the United States. He arrived on July 2, 1851. He worked in New York and Philadelphia. Later, he became a riding instructor in Boston. There, he met and married Amanda Schweiger.
When the American Civil War began, Zagonyi wanted to join the fight. He offered his skills to New York, but they did not accept him.
Serving in the American Civil War
Zagonyi was invited to Missouri by Alexander Asboth. There, he met General John C. Frémont. Frémont was impressed and asked Zagonyi to create and lead his personal bodyguard unit.
Zagonyi designed this special force. He based it on the famous Hungarian Hussars, who were known for their discipline. He carefully picked the horses and designed their dark blue uniforms. The men were proud and carried German cavalry sabers and revolvers.
Zagonyi's Famous Charge
On October 25, 1861, Zagonyi led his men into battle. This was during the First Battle of Springfield. He and about 300 mounted soldiers bravely charged into Springfield, Missouri. They managed to push back the Confederate forces.
This charge was very daring and became famous. However, it also cost many lives. Zagonyi did not have enough soldiers to hold the city after dark. So, he had to leave Springfield and his wounded men. The Union Army later took control of the town on October 27. It stayed under Union control for the rest of the war.
Later Service
After this battle, General Frémont was removed from his command. Because of this, Zagonyi's role became less active. Frémont's Bodyguard unit was disbanded in November 1861. This happened even though many had volunteered for three years.
Frémont was later given a new command in the Shenandoah Valley. He again asked Zagonyi to be his cavalry commander. Zagonyi was even promoted to colonel. However, the Confederate General Stonewall Jackson outsmarted Frémont's larger army. This happened during the Valley Campaign.
After this final setback, Frémont resigned from the army. Zagonyi also left military service at this time.
After the War
After the Civil War, Zagonyi went back to New York. He briefly served as the president of the Hungarian Society there. In 1867, he tried to return to Hungary. However, he did not have enough money for the trip.
What happened to Zagonyi after 1867 is not fully known. Some reports say he owned a tobacco shop in Pest, Hungary. Others say he was never heard from again.
Today, Zagonyi Park in Springfield, Missouri, is named after him. It honors his famous charge there. A special marker in the park tells the story of his brave actions.
