Edward D. Muhlenberg facts for kids

Edward Duchman Muhlenberg (born May 15, 1831 – died March 10, 1883) was an American engineer who helped build railroads. He was also an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, a big war fought in the United States. He led a group of artillery (big guns) at the famous Battle of Gettysburg. He was very important in defending a place called Culp's Hill from the Confederate soldiers.

Early Life and Engineering

Edward Muhlenberg was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He came from a well-known family. He studied at Yale University and graduated in 1850. After college, he worked as an engineer. He helped build different railroads and canals in Pennsylvania until 1857.

In September 1857, he traveled to Brazil. He went with other engineers to help build a railroad there. This railroad, called the Dom Pedro Segundo Railroad, started in Rio de Janeiro.

Service in the Civil War

A few months after the American Civil War began, Muhlenberg returned to the United States. He joined the Union Army in Philadelphia. In October 1861, he became a second lieutenant in the 4th U. S. Artillery. He was promoted to first lieutenant later that month.

Muhlenberg fought with his artillery unit at the First Battle of Winchester in May 1862. He then took command of his battery (a group of artillery guns) at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. He also led his battery at the Battle of Antietam.

Leading Artillery at Gettysburg

During the Battle of Chancellorsville, Muhlenberg commanded many artillery batteries. He had about 20 guns under his direction. These guns helped protect the Union lines.

Later, Captain Clermont Best became an inspector general. This meant Muhlenberg, even though he was only a first lieutenant, took command of the entire artillery brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. In this important role, Muhlenberg fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was especially important in defending Culp's Hill. This was a key part of the battlefield.

After Gettysburg, Muhlenberg fought at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. He then became an adjutant general and quartermaster for the 4th U.S. Artillery in 1864. He stayed in the Regular Army after the war ended in 1865. He left the army in May 1869.

After the War

After leaving the army, Muhlenberg went back to being an engineer. He worked on the Kansas and Pacific Railroad from 1856 to 1867. He then helped build the Reading and Wilmington Railroad until 1870.

In 1871, he worked on a survey of Yellowstone. He also surveyed the Texas and Pacific Railway from Fort Phantom Hill to Fort Bliss in Texas.

Edward Muhlenberg never married. He was a member of the German Baptist Brethren Church. He passed away in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in March 1883.