Frank Huger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Kinloch Huger
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Frank Huger
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| Born | September 29, 1837 Norfolk, Virginia |
| Died | June 10, 1897 Roanoke, Virginia |
| Allegiance | United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1860–1861 (USA) 1861–1865 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Second Lieutenant (USA) Colonel (CSA) |
| Unit | 10th U.S. Infantry |
| Commands held | Norfolk Light Artillery Battery Huger's Artillery Battalion Artillery, First Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | father Benjamin Huger |
| Other work | Railroad executive |
Frank Huger was a brave soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He was the son of General Benjamin Huger. Frank Huger was an artilleryman, meaning he was in charge of cannons and big guns during the war.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Frank Kinloch Huger was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1837. His parents were Benjamin Huger and Elizabeth Pinckney.
Just like his father, Frank went to the West Point military school. He finished his studies there in 1860. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Infantry. In May 1861, he left the U.S. Army to join the Confederate side.
Civil War Service
Frank Huger joined the Confederate army, just like his father. He started as a captain and led a group called the Norfolk Light Artillery.
Early Battles and Promotions
Huger's artillery group fought in the Seven Days Battles. They were part of a larger division led by his father. Later, his group fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Fredericksburg.
In March 1863, Huger was promoted to major. He became second-in-command of an artillery group led by Colonel Edward Porter Alexander. Alexander spoke highly of Huger, calling him "glorious and beloved."
Key Artillery Actions
Huger played an important role in the Battle of Chancellorsville. His cannons fired on Union lines from a high spot called Hazel Grove. He also helped support troops in the Battle of Salem Church. His guns fired some of the last shots as Union soldiers retreated.
At the famous Battle of Gettysburg, Huger's artillery supported a major attack by Lieutenant General James Longstreet's soldiers. On the third day of the battle, Huger took direct command of the cannons. This happened when Colonel Alexander was put in charge of the huge cannon attack before Pickett's Charge.
Western Campaigns and Command
Huger then traveled West with Longstreet's Corps. However, he arrived too late for the Battle of Chickamauga. When Longstreet's troops moved into eastern Tennessee, Huger commanded Alexander's artillery group during the Knoxville Campaign.
In late 1863, Alexander became the permanent chief of artillery for the corps. This meant Huger officially took over command of the artillery battalion. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in February 1864.
Final Battles and Capture
Huger's battalion fought in the Overland Campaign and the long Siege of Petersburg. During the Battle of the Crater, Huger was temporarily in charge of the First Corps' artillery. He was even seen helping to fire a cannon himself during the intense fighting.
He was promoted to colonel in February 1865. Later that year, he was captured during the Battle of Sailors' Creek. He was captured by Union cavalry led by Brigadier General George A. Custer. Custer, who had also gone to West Point, treated Huger more like a guest than a prisoner.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Frank Huger worked in the railroad business. He passed away in 1897.
