Godfrey Weitzel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Godfrey Weitzel
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| Born | November 1, 1835 Winzeln, Bavaria (now Winzeln, Pirmasens, Germany) |
| Died | March 19, 1884 (aged 48) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1884 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | XVIII Corps XXV Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Godfrey Weitzel (born November 1, 1835 – died March 19, 1884) was a German-American major general in the Union army during the American Civil War. He played important roles during the war. For example, he was the acting Mayor of New Orleans when the Union army took over the city. He also led the troops that captured Richmond, Virginia, which was the capital of the Confederacy. After the war, Weitzel continued to serve in the U.S. Army. He became known for his work as an engineer, designing and building important projects like canals and lighthouses.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Moving to America
Godfrey Weitzel was born in Winzeln, a town in what was then the Kingdom of Bavaria (now part of Germany). His father, Ludwig, had served in the Bavarian military. Ludwig wanted to move to America for a better life, just like his brother Wilhelm.
When Godfrey's mother, Susanna, became pregnant with their second son, the family moved to the United States. They settled in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1837. There, Ludwig changed his name to Lewis, and his two-year-old son Gottfried became Godfrey. This might have been to help them fit in better in America. Lewis Weitzel owned a grocery store and was involved in local politics.
School Days
Godfrey and his younger brother, Lewis Jr., went to school in Cincinnati. Godfrey was a brilliant student and finished at the top of his class. A local lawyer, Bellamy Storer, offered to pay for Godfrey's college. However, with help from others, Godfrey got a special chance to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was only 14 when the process started, even though the usual age was 16. He arrived at West Point just after his 15th birthday.
West Point and Early Career
At West Point, Godfrey was nicknamed "Dutch." He continued to be an excellent student, especially in math and engineering. He graduated second in his class in 1855.
His first job was helping to improve the defenses of New Orleans. He worked under Major P. G. T. Beauregard, who also thought highly of him. Weitzel's work on forts and other buildings earned him a promotion to First Lieutenant. His knowledge of New Orleans' defenses would become very important later.
In 1859, Weitzel returned to West Point to teach engineering. He married Louisa C. Moor in November 1859. Sadly, just three weeks later, she died in a tragic accident. Weitzel was very sad and took time off to travel.
Later, he married Louise Bogen in January 1865. They had three children, but only one, Irene, lived to adulthood.
Military Career
Start of the Civil War
In 1860, Weitzel was promoted to first lieutenant of engineers. When the American Civil War began in 1861, he was assigned to build defenses. He worked in cities like Cincinnati and Washington, D.C. He also helped General George B. McClellan with the Army of the Potomac.
New Orleans and Beyond
Weitzel then joined Major General Benjamin Butler's staff as the chief engineer. When Union troops captured New Orleans, Weitzel became an assistant military commander. He even served as the acting mayor of the city for a time.
In August 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general. Two months later, he defeated a large enemy force at Labadieville, Louisiana. This earned him another promotion. He commanded a brigade during operations in western Louisiana in 1863. He played a key role in the Siege of Port Hudson, which was a major victory for the Union.
Targeting Richmond
From May to September 1864, Weitzel was the chief engineer for the Army of the James. This army was trying to capture Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. He was involved in several battles during this time. By the end of August, he was promoted to major general of volunteers for his excellent service.
In September 1864, General Weitzel took command of the XVIII Corps. He earned another promotion for capturing Fort Harrison.
On November 7, 1864, Weitzel became a major general of volunteers. In December, he was given command of the XXV Corps. This was a special group made up of United States Colored Troops (African American soldiers) led by white officers. He also took part in the first attempt to capture Fort Fisher in North Carolina, which was unsuccessful.
Capturing Richmond
In the final months of the war, General Ulysses S. Grant put Weitzel in charge of all Union troops north of the Appomattox River. This was during the final push against Robert E. Lee's army.
After the fall of Petersburg, the Confederate forces realized they could not defend Richmond. They left the city and set fire to military buildings and tobacco warehouses. The fires spread to other parts of the city. On April 3, 1865, Richmond's mayor surrendered the city to Major General Weitzel. Weitzel and his Union forces quickly put out the fires.
Weitzel set up his headquarters in the home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. His aide, Lieutenant Johnston de Peyster, was the first to raise the U.S. flag over Richmond after its capture. The next day, President Abraham Lincoln visited the Confederate capital. Weitzel served as Lincoln's helper and bodyguard during peace talks.
Weitzel, who was a Freemason, also protected the Masons' Hall in Richmond. He made sure soldiers were posted there to prevent it from being burned or looted.
Post-War Achievements
New Assignments
After the war, Weitzel and his all-black Army corps were sent to Texas. Their mission was to remove the French forces who had taken over Mexico. This was considered a very difficult assignment. Weitzel stayed in command of the District of Rio Grande until March 1866.
He then returned to his regular Army rank and was promoted to major of engineers. In August 1866, he began designing a larger canal around the Falls of the Ohio in Indiana.
Building Lighthouses and Canals
Weitzel was involved in many important engineering projects. In 1875, he helped establish a temporary lighthouse in Alpena, Michigan. He also designed and built the second Alpena Light in 1877.
In 1881, Weitzel finished building a huge lock at the Soo Canal. This lock was 515 feet long and was the largest canal lock in the world at that time! The next year, he completed the Stannard Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. He also helped design and build the Spectacle Reef Light with Colonel Orlando Metcalfe Poe.
Later, he was transferred to Philadelphia. There, he was in charge of engineering projects in that area.
Death and Legacy
Weitzel became sick with typhoid fever after moving to Philadelphia. He died from complications of the illness on March 19, 1884.
His body was brought back to Cincinnati for burial in Spring Grove Cemetery. Even though Weitzel wanted a private funeral, his hometown held a large public gathering to honor him. Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects. He was survived by his mother, his brother, his wife Louise, and his daughter Irene.
The U.S. Army named one of the main streets in Arlington National Cemetery "Ord & Weitzel Drive" to remember him.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
- German Americans in the Civil War
- Saginaw River Light
- XXV Corps
