Frederick Steele facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Steele
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| Born | January 14, 1819 Delhi, New York |
| Died | January 12, 1868 (aged 48) San Mateo, California |
| Place of burial |
Woodlawn Memorial Park, Colma, California
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1843–1867 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 8th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment Army of Arkansas |
| Battles/wars | Yuma War Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Frederick Steele (January 14, 1819 – January 12, 1868) was an important general in the American Civil War. He fought for the Union Army. He is famous for helping the Union take back parts of Arkansas. He also used clever tricks to escape from a city called Camden. He won a big battle at Jenkins Ferry.
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Early Life and Military Start
Frederick Steele was born in Delhi, New York. He went to West Point, a famous military school. He graduated in 1843.
After West Point, he fought in the Mexican–American War. He was recognized for his bravery. Later, he served in California during the Yuma War. Before the Civil War, he was stationed in Minnesota Territory, Kansas Territory, and Nebraska Territory. He became a captain in 1855.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War began, Steele became a major in the 11th U.S. Infantry. He fought in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Soon after, he became a colonel, leading the 8th Iowa Infantry.
In January 1862, Steele was promoted to brigadier general. He commanded troops in Missouri. After a Union victory at the Battle of Pea Ridge, he led a division in the Army of the Southwest. In March 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made him a major general of volunteers.
Vicksburg Campaign
Steele's division joined the Army of the Tennessee. He fought in the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou in December 1862. He also took part in the Battle of Arkansas Post in January 1863. His troops were part of General Sherman's corps during the Siege of Vicksburg. This was a major Union victory.
Taking Back Arkansas
After Vicksburg, Steele was put in charge of the Army of Arkansas. In September 1863, his army successfully captured Confederate-held Little Rock. This helped the Union gain more control in Arkansas.
He then commanded the VII Corps in Arkansas. In March 1864, Steele led about 8,000 soldiers from Little Rock. His goal was to meet up with another Union army in Louisiana.
The Camden Expedition
Steele's journey became known as the Camden Expedition. His army faced low supplies and little food. He used a clever trick to make the enemy think he was going one way. This allowed him to move his main army toward Camden. He hoped to find supplies there.
When Steele reached Camden, the enemy had destroyed most of the supplies. He also learned that another Union general, General Banks, had been defeated in Louisiana. Steele decided to wait for supplies from Little Rock.
While waiting, Confederate forces surrounded Camden. One supply train reached him, but another was attacked. Steele then used another trick to sneak his army out of Camden at night. They left without the Confederates knowing.
Battle of Jenkins' Ferry
As Steele's army marched north, Confederate troops caught up to them at Jenkins Ferry. This battle happened on April 30, 1864, in heavy rain. The Confederates attacked in a disorganized way. Steele's generals, Frederick Salomon and Samuel Rice, fought them off.
The Confederates suffered heavy losses. Steele's army won a major defensive victory. This battle is considered one of the most important victories west of the Mississippi River during the war. Steele then led his army safely back to Little Rock.
Later War Service
In 1865, Steele led a group of African American soldiers. They fought in battles like Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely.
After the war, President Andrew Johnson recognized Steele's service. He was given special honorary promotions for his actions at Little Rock and Vicksburg.
After the War
In June 1865, Steele was sent to Texas. He commanded U.S. forces along the Rio Grande. Later, he oversaw troops in the Department of the Columbia. This included dealing with the Snake War. In 1866, he was made a permanent colonel in the U.S. Army.
Frederick Steele took a break from duty in November 1867 due to health issues. He died two months later, on January 12, 1868, in San Mateo, California. He passed away after a fall from a buggy. He is buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Colma, California.
A monument honoring Steele stands at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
