H. Boyd McKeen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Boyd McKeen
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| Birth name | Henry Boyd McKeen |
| Born | September 18, 1835 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 3, 1864 (aged 28) Hanover County, Virginia |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held | 81st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment (1862-1864) 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, II Corps (1864) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | lumber merchant |
Henry Boyd McKeen (born September 18, 1835 – died June 3, 1864) was an important officer in the Union Army. He served during the American Civil War. He became a brigade commander, leading many soldiers. Sadly, he was killed in action during the Battle of Cold Harbor.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Henry Boyd McKeen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Princeton University in 1853. Before the war, he worked as a lumber merchant in Camden, New Jersey.
When the American Civil War began, McKeen joined the Union Army. He started as a First Lieutenant. This was in the 81st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment in October 1861.
Rising Through the Ranks
McKeen was promoted to Major in June 1862. This happened during the Peninsula Campaign. As a Major, he led his regiment at the Battle of Antietam.
In November 1862, he became a Colonel. He then commanded the 81st Pennsylvania at the Battle of Fredericksburg. He also led them at the Battle of Chancellorsville. McKeen was wounded in both of these battles.
Leading at Gettysburg
Colonel McKeen commanded the 81st Pennsylvania at the Battle of Gettysburg. This was a very important battle. He also helped lead the 148th Pennsylvania Infantry.
On July 2, 1863, his brigade commander was badly wounded. Colonel McKeen then took over the brigade. He wrote the official report about his brigade's actions at Gettysburg. His regiment's memorial stands in the Wheatfield. This is where they fought very hard.
Later Battles and Final Sacrifice
After Gettysburg, Colonel McKeen returned to leading the 81st Pennsylvania. He commanded them at the Battle of Bristoe Station. He also led them during the Mine Run Campaign. He even led the brigade again for a time in the winter of 1863-1864.
McKeen led the 81st Pennsylvania at the Battle of the Wilderness. Later, at the Battle of Spotsylvania, another general was wounded. McKeen was then given command of his own brigade.
On June 3, 1864, Colonel McKeen was leading a charge. This was during the Battle of Cold Harbor. He was shot through the body and died from his wounds. He was buried in The Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.
A fort in Dakota Territory was named Fort McKeen in his honor in 1872. It was later renamed Fort Abraham Lincoln.
