Gordon Granger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gordon Granger
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Gordon Granger, photo taken during American Civil War
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| Born | November 6, 1821 Joy, New York, US |
| Died | January 10, 1876 (aged 54) Santa Fe, New Mexico, US |
| Place of burial |
Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky, US
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1845–1876 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Commands held | Army of Kentucky IV Corps XIII Corps Department of Texas District of New Mexico |
| Battles/wars | |
Gordon Granger (born November 6, 1821 – died January 10, 1876) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was especially known for his brave actions at the Battle of Chickamauga.
General Granger is also famous for a special order he gave on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. This order, called General Order No. 3, announced that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This news was based on President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had declared many enslaved people free on January 1, 1863. The day June 19 is now a federal holiday called Juneteenth, celebrated since 2021. It remembers the end of slavery in Texas.
Contents
Gordon Granger's Early Life
Growing Up and School
Gordon Granger was born in 1821 in a town called Joy, New York. He was one of three children. After his mother passed away when he was young, his father remarried and had more children. Gordon spent some of his childhood with his grandparents in Phelps, New York. Before he joined the army, he worked as a teacher in North Rose, New York.
Starting His Military Path
In 1841, when Gordon was 19, he joined the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a famous school for training army officers. He graduated in 1845 and became a second lieutenant. His first assignment was with the Second Infantry Regiment in Detroit, Michigan. Later, he moved to the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in Missouri.
Serving in the Mexican-American War
Gordon Granger fought in the Mexican–American War (1846-1848) as part of General Winfield Scott's army. He was involved in several important battles, including the Siege of Veracruz and the Battle for Mexico City. He was recognized for his bravery during these fights. After the war, he served in different places on the western frontier, like Oregon and Texas. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1853.
Gordon Granger in the Civil War
Early War Service
When the American Civil War began, Gordon Granger was a captain. He quickly showed his skills. He was recognized for his bravery at the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri in 1861. Soon after, he became a colonel and took charge of the 2nd Michigan Cavalry Regiment. His leadership helped turn new volunteer soldiers into a well-trained army.
In 1862, Granger was promoted to brigadier general. He led cavalry forces in important battles like the Battle of New Madrid and the Siege of Corinth. Later that year, he became a major general and commanded the Army of Kentucky.
Hero at Chickamauga
Granger is most famous for his actions at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. On the second day of this fierce battle, Union forces were in trouble. Major General George Henry Thomas and his troops were holding a key position called Snodgrass Hill. Without waiting for orders, Granger bravely decided to send two of his brigades to help Thomas.
When asked if his men could counterattack, Granger said his soldiers were "fresh" and "just the fellows for that work." His timely help stopped the Confederate attack until nightfall. This allowed the Union army to retreat safely. Granger's quick thinking and courage helped Thomas earn the nickname "Rock of Chickamauga."
Victories at Chattanooga and Mobile
After Chickamauga, Granger was given command of the IV Corps. His troops played a vital role in the Battle of Chattanooga. They were part of a daring charge up Missionary Ridge. Even though they had no further orders, Granger's men kept pushing up the steep hill. They successfully drove back the Confederate forces, leading to a major Union victory.
Later in the war, Granger also supported naval operations in the Gulf of Mexico. He led ground forces that helped capture Forts Gaines and Morgan during the Battle of Mobile Bay. He then commanded the XIII Corps during the Battle of Fort Blakeley. This battle led to the capture of Mobile, Alabama, a very important city for the Confederacy.
After the War: Freedom and New Commands
Juneteenth in Texas
When the Civil War ended, General Granger was put in charge of the District of Texas on June 10, 1865. One of his first and most important actions happened on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. He issued General Order No. 3, which announced that all enslaved people in Texas were now free.
This order stated that all enslaved people were free and had equal rights. This news brought great joy to the newly freed people. This day became known as Juneteenth, an annual celebration that remembers the end of slavery in Texas. Granger also made sure that laws passed by the Confederacy were no longer valid. He helped manage the transition for former Confederate soldiers and advised newly freed people about finding work.
Post-War Service
After his time in Texas, Granger continued to serve in the army. He commanded the Department of Kentucky for a period. In 1866, he was assigned as a colonel to the 25th Infantry Regiment. Later, in 1870, he became a colonel of the 15th Infantry Regiment.
From 1871 to 1873, he commanded the District of New Mexico. During this time, he met with Cochise, a leader of the Chiricahua tribe, to discuss peace. Although initial talks did not lead to a lasting agreement, peace was eventually reached later that year.
Gordon Granger passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on January 10, 1876. He was buried in Lexington Cemetery in Kentucky.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
