Frederick Steinman Foltz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Steinman Foltz
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Brigadier General Frederick S. Foltz as commander of the 182nd Inf. Brigade in September 1918
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| Born | December 15, 1857 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | August 28, 1952 (aged 94) Washington, D.C., US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1879–1921 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Service number | 0-122 |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars Spanish–American War World War I |
| Spouse(s) | Mary F. Keefer |
| Relations | Jonathan M. Foltz (father) |
Frederick Steinman Foltz (born December 15, 1857 – died August 28, 1952) was an important officer in the United States Army during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He fought in major wars like the Spanish–American War and World War I. Foltz was also known for exploring and mapping areas that later became Glacier National Park.
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Early Life and Education
Frederick S. Foltz was born on December 15, 1857, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His father, Jonathan M. Foltz, was a high-ranking doctor in the U.S. Navy, called the Surgeon General. After finishing school at the Episcopal Academy, Frederick went to the United States Military Academy. He graduated from West Point in 1879.
Military Career Highlights
After graduating, Foltz joined the 1st Cavalry Regiment. He worked on the frontier in the far Northwest of the United States. From 1884 to 1888, he taught at West Point. Then, he returned to the Northwest frontier from 1888 to 1891.
Exploring the Frontier
During his time on the frontier, Foltz helped guard the border with Canada. This was to make sure that Native American tribes, sometimes called "hostile Indians" at the time, could not cross into Canada. He also explored and mapped a large area that later became the beautiful Glacier National Park.
Serving in the Spanish-American War
Foltz took part in the Spanish–American War. He served in places like Cuba and Puerto Rico. He worked as a quartermaster, which means he was in charge of supplies. Later, he became an intelligence officer, gathering important information for General Nelson A. Miles.
He fought in the famous Battle of San Juan Hill. After the war, Foltz held several important jobs in Havana, Cuba. He was a customs collector, an inspector, and even the chief of police. He also managed the port of Havana.
Return to the United States and New Roles
In 1902, Foltz came back to the United States. He served in different places, including Washington, D.C., Fort Ethan Allen, and Fort Myer. During this time, he helped choose the M1903 Springfield rifle for the Army. He also played a big part in the Army adopting a new type of officer's saddle, similar to those used in England.
From 1903 to 1906, he served in the Philippines. In 1908, he became the governor of Havana Province in Cuba.
International Horse Shows
Foltz also had a special role in international events. In 1911, he led the American Army team at a horse show for the coronation of King George V in England. The next year, in 1912, he was in charge of the American Army team at the horse show during the 1912 Summer Olympics.
On September 27, 1914, Foltz was promoted to the rank of colonel. He then took command of the 1st Cavalry Regiment.
World War I Service
On August 5, 1917, Foltz was promoted again, this time to brigadier general. He took command of the 182nd Infantry Brigade, which was part of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. From December 25, 1917, to June 19, 1918, he commanded the 91st Division.
After World War I ended, Foltz returned to his permanent rank of colonel. He retired from the Army in 1921. However, in June 1930, Congress restored his rank of brigadier general.
Life After the Army
In his retirement, Frederick Foltz became a landscape artist. He even showed his artwork at the famous Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Foltz lived a very long life. He was the last person still alive from his West Point graduating class. From January 30 to August 28, 1952, he was the oldest living graduate of West Point. He passed away on August 28, 1952, in Washington, D.C. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Personal Life
Frederick Foltz married Mary Keefer on July 11, 1883. They did not have any children together.
