George Wright (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Wright
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| Born | October 22, 1803 Norwich, Vermont |
| Died | July 30, 1865 (aged 61) Brother Jonathan, near Crescent City, California |
| Place of burial |
Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, Sacramento, California
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1822–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 9th Infantry Regiment Department of Oregon District of Southern California Department of the Pacific District of California Department of the Columbia |
| Battles/wars | |
George Wright was an American soldier who lived from 1803 to 1865. He was an important military leader who fought in several major conflicts, including the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
George Wright was born in Norwich, Vermont, on October 22, 1803. His family had a strong military background. His father fought in the War of 1812. A relative of his mother, Alden Partridge, founded Norwich University.
Wright graduated from the West Point in 1822. He became a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He served with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment in Wisconsin and Maine. In 1838, he moved to the 8th US Infantry Regiment. He then served along the Canada–US border.
In 1844, Wright fought against the Seminole people in Florida. For his excellent service, he was given the honorary rank of brevet major. A "brevet" rank is a temporary higher rank given for good service, but without the higher pay.
During the Mexican–American War, he served with the 8th Infantry. He fought at the Battle of Veracruz and was wounded at the Battle of Molino del Rey. Because of his bravery in these battles, he earned the honorary rank of brevet colonel.
In 1848, he was promoted to major. In 1855, he became a lieutenant colonel and moved to the 4th Infantry Regiment on the West Coast. Later in 1855, he was promoted to colonel. He was sent to Fort Monroe, Virginia, to form the 9th Infantry Regiment. Once the regiment was ready, it was sent to the Washington Territory.
In 1858, Colonel Wright supervised the building of Fort Dalles in Oregon Territory. He turned it from a small wooden outpost into a stronger military base. He had also fought in the Yakima War from 1855 to 1856. In 1858, he led his troops to victory against several Native American tribes. These battles included the Battle of Four Lakes and the Battle of Spokane Plains near Spokane.
After these battles, on September 23, 1858, Wright signed agreements with the Coeur d'Alenes. He was camped near Latah (Hangman's) Creek in present-day Spokane. He had Chief Owhi in custody, who was believed to be involved in attacks on white settlers. Wright sent for Owhi's son, Qualchan, who was also believed to be involved. When Qualchan arrived, he was captured and executed for his role in the attacks.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, George Wright was the commanding officer of the Department of Oregon. For a few months in 1861, he commanded the District of Southern California. In October 1861, he was promoted to brigadier general of Volunteers. He was then put in charge of the Department of the Pacific, which covered a large area on the West Coast.
General Wright would have preferred to fight in the East during the Civil War. However, he stayed in California. He commanded the largest military force ever seen in the Far West at that time, with 6,000 troops in 1862. His main jobs were to protect the frontier, watch out for people who supported the Southern states (called secessionists), guard the coast, and help move troops eastward.
The weather in San Francisco was not good for General Wright because he had asthma. He wanted to move his headquarters to Sacramento. The headquarters did not move, but Wright did spend time in Sacramento.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1865, the regular army was reorganized. General Wright commanded the District of California for a few months. Then, he was given command of the new Department of the Columbia.
Sadly, General Wright and his wife died at sea on July 30, 1865. They were traveling to his new command when their ship, the steamer Brother Jonathan, was wrecked off the coast of California. His body was found six weeks later. He is buried in the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery.
For his service as commander of the Department of the Pacific, he was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general in the regular army.
Places Named After Him
- Fort George Wright, a military base near Spokane, Washington, was named in his honor.
- Wright's Point, a landmark in Harney County, Oregon, was also named after him.
Family Life
In 1827, George Wright married Margaret Wallace Foster. They had three sons and one daughter: Thomas Foster, James Heron, Roswell, and Elizabeth H. Elizabeth later married Army Captain P. A. Owen.
