George P. Hawkes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George P. Hawkes
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| Born | March 7, 1824 Templeton, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 21, 1903 Templeton, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Pine Grove Cemetery, Templeton, Massachusetts
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| Allegiance |  Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Perkins Hawkes (born March 7, 1824, died September 21, 1903) was an important officer, a colonel, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called the 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry from April 1863 to July 1864. After the war, in March 1867, he received an honorary promotion to brevet brigadier general. This special title recognized his excellent service, even though he had left the army earlier due to his health.
Contents
Hawkes's Role in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, George P. Hawkes joined the Union Army. On August 21, 1861, he became a captain in Company A of the 21st Massachusetts Regiment. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a major in September 1862 and a lieutenant colonel in December 1862.
Fighting with the Army of the Potomac
From July 1862 to March 1863, Hawkes and the 21st Massachusetts Regiment were part of the Army of the Potomac. This was a major Union army. They fought in some of the biggest battles of the Civil War. These included the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Fredericksburg. These battles were very tough and important moments in the war.
Leading the 21st Massachusetts Regiment
In April 1863, Lieutenant Colonel Hawkes took command of the 21st Massachusetts Regiment. At this time, his regiment moved to eastern Kentucky. Here, they mainly fought against guerrilla fighters. These were small groups of soldiers who used surprise attacks.
The Siege of Knoxville
Later in 1863, the 21st Massachusetts moved to eastern Tennessee. They helped capture the city of Knoxville. Confederate forces then tried to take Knoxville back during the Siege of Knoxville. During this time, Lieutenant Colonel Hawkes temporarily led two regiments as an acting brigade commander. This showed how much trust his superiors had in him.
Return to Major Battles
In May 1864, the 21st Massachusetts returned to the Army of the Potomac. Colonel Hawkes led his regiment through more intense battles. These included the Battle of the Wilderness, the Battle of Spotsylvania, and the Battle of Bethesda Church. These were some of the final, brutal battles of the war.
Leaving the Army and Honorary Promotion
Colonel Hawkes's health suffered during the war. Because of this, he had to leave the army on July 3, 1864. Even after he left, his service was remembered. On March 26, 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated him for an honorary promotion. This was to the rank of brevet brigadier general. The U.S. Senate confirmed this award on March 30, 1867. This special title recognized his loyal and excellent service during the war.
