George D. Ramsay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Douglas Ramsay
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Brigadier General George D. Ramsay
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| Born | February 21, 1802 Dumfries, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | May 23, 1882 (aged 80) Washington D.C., U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Oak Hill Cemetery
Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1820–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment |
| Commands held | Chief of Ordnance, Army of Occupation Chief of Ordnance of the U.S. Army |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
George Douglas Ramsay (born February 21, 1802 – died May 23, 1882) was an important military leader in the United States Army. He reached the rank of Brigadier General. He also served as the 6th Chief of Ordnance for the U.S. Army, which meant he was in charge of all weapons and military supplies.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Douglas Ramsay was born in Dumfries, Virginia, on February 21, 1802. His father was a Scottish merchant. When George was young, his family moved to Washington, D.C..
At a very young age, just 12 years old, George joined the Military Academy in 1814. He studied there for six years. In 1820, he graduated, ranking 26th out of 31 students in his class.
Starting His Military Career
After graduating, George Ramsay joined the Light Artillery branch of the army. In 1821, when the artillery was reorganized, he was assigned to the 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment. He served at different army bases, including some in New England and Virginia. He also worked with engineers who mapped land.
In 1826, he was promoted to first lieutenant. By 1833, he became an adjutant (a senior assistant) for his regiment.
Rise Through the Ranks
In February 1835, Ramsay became a captain. He stayed at this rank for 26 years. During this time, he commanded several arsenals, which are places where weapons and ammunition are stored and made.
He also served in the Mexican–American War. For his bravery in that war, he earned a special promotion to major. He was the Chief Ordnance Officer for the Army of Occupation, which was led by Major General Zachary Taylor.
After the war, he returned to his duties commanding arsenals. Just before the Civil War began, he was assigned to the Ordnance Board, which made decisions about military supplies.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War started, Ramsay's career moved much faster. He was promoted to major in April 1861, lieutenant colonel in August 1861, and colonel in June 1863.
In September 1863, Ramsay was chosen to become the Chief of Ordnance. This meant he was in charge of all the army's weapons and supplies. At the time, he was commanding the Washington Arsenal.
President Abraham Lincoln was a friend of Ramsay's and wanted him for the job. However, the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, preferred someone else. They reached a compromise: Ramsay became a brigadier general and Chief of Ordnance, but another officer, Captain George T. Balch, was given much of the daily control of the office.
Ramsay was known as a pleasant person who wanted to do a good job. He was open to new ideas about weapons. However, his time as Chief of Ordnance was short, so he couldn't make many big changes. His main focus was making sure soldiers on the front lines had enough supplies.
After about a year, due to ongoing disagreements with Secretary Stanton and Captain Balch, Ramsay was removed from his post in September 1864. He then became the Inspector of Arsenals until June 1866.
Retirement and Later Life
Ramsay's last assignment was commanding the Washington Arsenal again. He retired from the army in February 1870, at the age of 68.
In 1865, he received another special promotion, this time to major general, for his long and loyal service to the Army. After retiring, he lived in Washington, D.C., and passed away there on May 23, 1882, at the age of 80. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
