Hamilton S. Hawkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hamilton Smith Hawkins
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Hamilton S. Hawkins
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| Born | November 13, 1834 South Carolina |
| Died | March 27, 1910 (aged 75) Glen Springs, New York |
| Buried |
West Point Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1898 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Spanish–American War |
Hamilton Smith Hawkins (1834–1910) was an important United States Army general. He became a Major General during the Spanish–American War. He is remembered for his bravery and leadership in battle.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Hamilton Smith Hawkins was born in South Carolina in 1834. He later attended the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He was there from 1852 to 1855. However, he did not finish his studies or graduate from the academy.
Joining the Union Army
Even though he was from South Carolina, Hawkins chose to fight for the Union Army during the American Civil War. This war was fought between the northern and southern states. He took part in several important battles. One of these was the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
After the Civil War ended, Hawkins stayed in the army. He also participated in campaigns against the Plains Indians. These were military actions in the western United States.
Leading at West Point
Later in his career, Hawkins returned to West Point. He became the commandant of the academy. A commandant is like a leader or a principal. This was a very unique situation. He was the only commandant of West Point who had attended the academy but did not graduate. He served in this important role from 1888 to 1892.
After his time at West Point, Hawkins led another military school. He was the commandant of the United States Infantry and Cavalry School. This school is now known as the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He was in charge there from October 1894 to April 1898.
Service in the Spanish–American War
In 1898, the Spanish–American War began. On May 4, 1898, Hamilton Hawkins was made a brigadier general. This was a high rank in the volunteer army. He was put in command of a group of soldiers called the 1st Brigade. This brigade was part of the 1st Division, VII Corps. They were stationed in Tampa, Florida.
Fighting in Cuba
Soon after, General Hawkins and his brigade were sent to Cuba. His soldiers landed at a place called Daiquirí. They were involved in some light fighting at the Battle of Las Guasimas.
Hawkins' brigade then led the main attack at the Battle of San Juan Hill. This was a very important battle. During the fight, the main American attack got stuck. Spanish artillery was firing down on them from San Juan Hill.
General Hawkins showed great courage. He allowed one of his lieutenants, Jules Garesche Ord, to start an attack on the hill. Then, Hawkins himself rushed to the front of his troops. He yelled, "Come on! Come on!" and led his soldiers up the hill. He was badly wounded in the foot near the top of the hill.
Return to the United States
On October 4, 1898, Hawkins was promoted again. He was made a major general of volunteers. After this, he returned to the United States.
Later Life and Legacy
Hamilton Smith Hawkins passed away on March 27, 1910. He died in General Springs, New York.
A military battery was named in his honor. Battery Hawkins was built in 1914. It was designed to protect Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
