George A. McCall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Archibald McCall
George A. McCall
Born	(1802-03-16)March 16, 1802 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died	February 25, 1868(1868-02-25) (aged 65) West Chester, Pennsylvania
Place of burial	Christ Church Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1822–1853; 1861–1863
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands held	Pennsylvania Reserves
Battles/wars	American Civil War

George Archibald McCall (born March 16, 1802 – died February 25, 1868) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general during the American Civil War. He was also a prisoner of war during that conflict. Besides his military career, he was interested in nature and studied animals as a naturalist.

Early Life and Military Career

George McCall was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family had a long history in America. He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1822, which means he was 20 years old.

After graduating, McCall served in Florida, especially around Pensacola. He enjoyed his time there as a young officer. He was promoted to first lieutenant after seven years. In 1846, he became a captain. He served in the 1st U.S. Infantry and later the 4th U.S. Infantry. He also worked as an aide-de-camp for General Edmund P. Gaines during the start of the Second Seminole War.

Heroism in the Mexican-American War

McCall showed great bravery during the Mexican–American War. He served under General Zachary Taylor. He earned special promotions for his courage. He was promoted to major for his actions at the Battle of Palo Alto. He was then promoted to lieutenant colonel for his bravery at the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. When he returned to Philadelphia in 1847, important people in the city gave him a sword to honor him.

In 1851, when he was 49, he married Elizabeth McMurtrie. They had a happy marriage and raised at least two sons and one daughter. In 1853, after 31 years of service, he retired from the army as a colonel and Inspector General.

In 1854, he was chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society. This is a famous group that promotes knowledge and discovery.

Service in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, George McCall returned to service. He helped organize volunteer soldiers from Pennsylvania. In May 1861, he was made a brigadier general of volunteers. He helped create and lead the famous Pennsylvania Reserves Division. This division was an important part of the Army of the Potomac. McCall was one of the oldest graduates from West Point to serve in the Civil War.

Capture and Release

McCall fought in the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. In June 1862, he was wounded and captured at the Battle of Frayser's Farm. He was trying to find his way when he met enemy soldiers. He was taken to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.

Being in prison made his existing health problems worse. In August, he was exchanged for another general, Simon Bolivar Buckner. Because of his poor health, McCall resigned from the army in March 1863.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the army, McCall lived on his farm called "Belair" in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He passed away there in 1868. He is buried in the Christ Church Burial Ground in his hometown of Philadelphia.

The McCall School in Society Hill, Center City, Philadelphia is named after him.

George McCall is also remembered in science. A species of lizard, Phrynosoma mcallii, is named after him.

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