George Washington Bridges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Washington Bridges
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | Reese B. Brabson |
| Succeeded by | William B. Stokes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 9, 1825 Charleston, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | March 16, 1873 (aged 47) Athens, Tennessee |
| Resting place | Cedar Grove Cemetery Athens, Tennessee |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | East Tennessee University |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1864 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands | 10th Tennessee Cavalry (1863–4) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Washington Bridges (born October 9, 1825 – died March 16, 1873) was an American politician. He served in the United States House of Representatives for Tennessee from 1861 to 1863. During the American Civil War, he was a "Southern Unionist," meaning he was from the South but supported the United States (Union) government. He was held by Confederate forces in 1861. After escaping, he took his seat in Congress just before his term ended.
After his time in Congress, Bridges joined the Union Army. He became a lieutenant colonel and led the 10th Tennessee Cavalry from 1863 to 1864. Later in his life, he worked as a judge in Tennessee.
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Early Life and Law Career
George Washington Bridges was likely born in Charleston, Tennessee, or McMinn County, Tennessee. He grew up in Athens, Tennessee, which was his home for most of his life. He went to East Tennessee University in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is now known as the University of Tennessee.
After studying law, he became a lawyer in 1848. By 1849, he started his own law practice in Athens. He often helped people with legal claims.
In 1849, the Tennessee state legislature chose Bridges to be a district attorney general. This meant he was a lawyer who worked for the government to prosecute crimes in his area. When the state changed its rules, he had to run for election in 1854. He won against Daniel C. Trewhitt. He stayed in this job until 1860.
Bridges was also an active member of the state Democratic Party in the 1850s. He represented McMinn County at a state meeting in 1851. He was also chosen to be on the board of directors for the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. He served as a vice president for the state Democratic Party meeting in 1859.
Supporting the Union
During the 1860 presidential election, Bridges supported Stephen Douglas. Douglas was the Northern Democratic candidate. Bridges campaigned for Douglas, helping him win the popular vote in his district.
In 1861, Bridges attended meetings of the pro-Union East Tennessee Convention. At these meetings, he helped write important statements and plans. These documents showed that people in East Tennessee wanted to stay with the United States.
Serving in the Civil War
In August 1861, Bridges ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He openly ran for the U.S. Congress. His opponent, Albert Welcker, ran for the Confederate Congress. Bridges was declared the winner of the U.S. seat. He was supposed to serve in the Thirty-seventh Congress from 1861 to 1863.
However, Bridges had to flee to Kentucky in late 1861. When he tried to return to Tennessee to see his family, Confederate troops held him. He was held for over a year. On February 5, 1863, he managed to escape and made his way to Washington. On February 25, he was officially allowed to join the House of Representatives. He voted on several laws before his term ended on March 3, 1863.
Bridges joined the Union Army as a lieutenant colonel on August 25, 1863. He was put in charge of the 10th Tennessee Cavalry. His unit was mostly stationed in Nashville during 1864. Their main jobs were scouting and guarding railroads. They also took part in actions against Confederate generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan B. Forrest.
After the War
In 1865, George Washington Bridges was elected as a judge for the state's fourth circuit court. He served as a judge until the next year. After leaving the court, he went back to practicing law. He also started a real estate business in Athens.
In 1869, he tried to become McMinn County's representative for the 1870 constitutional convention. This convention would create the current state constitution. However, the county chose someone else.
George Washington Bridges passed away in Athens on March 16, 1873, after being ill for several months. He is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens.
Images for kids
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Rank insignia for a Lieutenant Colonel in the Union Army.
