Edward Griffin Beckwith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Griffin Beckwith
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Edward Griffin Beckwith, c. 1863
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| Born | June 25, 1818 |
| Died | June 22, 1881 (aged 62) |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Soldier and explorer |
Edward Griffin Beckwith (born June 25, 1818 – died June 22, 1881) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War and was famous for exploring the American West in the 1850s. He helped find the best route for the first Transcontinental Railroad, earning him the nickname "Explorer of the Central Rockies."
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About Edward Beckwith
Edward Beckwith was born on June 25, 1818, in Cazenovia, New York. He was the son of Judge Barak Beckwith. Edward studied at the West Point and graduated in 1842.
Early Military Career
After graduating, Beckwith served as a second lieutenant in the Third Artillery. He was stationed in Savannah, Georgia. In 1846, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He then took part in the Mexican–American War. He was present at important events like Tampico and Vera Cruz.
Exploring the West
From 1853 to 1857, Beckwith joined the Pacific Railroad Surveys. These surveys looked for the best routes for a railroad across the country. He worked with John Williams Gunnison. After Gunnison's death, Beckwith took over as the leader of the survey.
Beckwith personally suggested the route that the First Transcontinental Railroad later followed. His report was very detailed. It included information about plants, animals, climate, and land features. He also surveyed the Great Salt Lake. Between 1857 and 1859, he helped build military roads in Nebraska and Kansas.
Civil War Service
Beckwith was promoted to captain on May 12, 1855. During the American Civil War, he served in the commissary department. This department was in charge of supplying food and other goods to the army. He worked there from 1861 to 1865.
For a short time in 1863, he was in charge of military police in the Gulf region. He also commanded the defenses of New Orleans for a few months. On February 8, 1864, he became a major. By March 13, 1865, he was honored with the ranks of lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier-general. He continued in the commissary department until May 31, 1866.
Personal Life
Edward Beckwith married Cornelia Williamson (1828–1911). They had one daughter, Madeline Julia Beckwith (1852–1935). Edward Beckwith passed away on June 22, 1881, in Clifton, New York. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
