Delos Bennett Sackett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delos Bennett Sackett
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| Born | April 14, 1822 Cape Vincent, New York |
| Died | March 8, 1885 (aged 62) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Cape Vincent, New York
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1845–1885 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Bvt. Major General |
| Commands held | Inspector General, Army of the Potomac Inspector General of the U.S. Army |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
Delos Bennett Sackett (April 14, 1822 – March 8, 1885) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War as a colonel for the Union Army. After the war, he became the top Inspector General of the U.S. Army.
Early Life and Military Start
Delos Bennett Sackett was born in Cape Vincent, New York. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1845. As a lieutenant, he was sent to Texas.
He fought bravely in the Mexican–American War. He was recognized for his courage at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. After the war, he helped plan the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He used stakes and rope to mark out 84 city blocks.
In 1848, Sackett and his soldiers protected homes from Apache raids. They helped keep communities like El Paso, Texas safe. His leaders praised him as "an active and gallant officer." Sackett married Amanda Fields and they had a daughter.
In 1850, Sackett returned to West Point. He taught cavalry tactics there until 1855. Later, as a captain, he went to Kansas Territory. He led missions against Native American groups. He also served at different military posts across the country.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War began, Sackett was a lieutenant colonel. He was first assigned to Washington, D.C.. There, he worked as the Acting Inspector-General. This role meant he checked on how the army was doing.
He then helped organize new soldiers in New York City. In late 1861, he joined the Army of the Potomac. He became its Inspector General. He advised Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan during the Peninsula Campaign. He also served during the Maryland Campaign.
After the Battle of Fredericksburg, Sackett took charge of the Inspector General's Office in Washington. He helped create the Invalid Corps. This group allowed soldiers with injuries to still serve. In 1864, he traveled to the Western Theater. He inspected army departments there.
In 1867, President Andrew Johnson honored Sackett. He was promoted to brevet major general. This was for his "faithful and meritorious services" during the war.
After the War
After the Civil War, Sackett continued his military career. He went on inspection tours in the Montana Territory. He also visited the Pacific Coast. He served as Inspector General in various places.
In 1881, he returned to Washington. He became a brigadier general. He was named the Inspector General of the U.S. Army. This was a very important position. He held this job until he passed away in 1885 at age 63.
He was buried in his hometown of Cape Vincent, New York. He had built a large house there in 1872. A local group for Civil War veterans, Post #268 of the Grand Army of the Republic, was named after him.
A military camp in Kansas, Camp Sackett, was also named for him. It was a temporary prison during the "Bleeding Kansas" period in 1856.
Images for kids
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Col. Delos B. Sackett (far left) with President Lincoln and George B. McClellan after the Battle of Antietam, 1862.
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Colonel Sackett (seated center) with Colonel Albert V. Colburn and General John Sedgwick in Harrison's Landing, Virginia, 1862.
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Delos B. Sackett after the war.
