Harrison Stiles Fairchild facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harrison Stiles Fairchild
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Born | Cazenovia, New York |
August 4, 1820
Died | January 25, 1901 Rochester, New York |
(aged 80)
Place of burial |
Mount Hope Cemetery
Rochester, New York |
Allegiance | United States of America Union |
Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1861–1865 |
Rank | ![]() ![]() |
Commands held | 89th New York Infantry |
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Harrison Stiles Fairchild (born August 4, 1820 – died January 25, 1901) was an important military leader. He served as a Colonel and later as a Brevet Brigadier General. This was during the American Civil War, where he fought for the Union Army.
Contents
A Leader in the Civil War
Harrison Stiles Fairchild was born in Cazenovia, New York. He grew up to become a key figure in the American Civil War. This war took place from 1861 to 1865. It was a conflict between the northern states (the Union) and the southern states (the Confederacy).
Joining the Union Army
Fairchild began his military service in 1861. He joined the Union Army, which was the army of the United States. He quickly showed his leadership skills. He was given the rank of Colonel. This meant he was in charge of a large group of soldiers.
Leading the 89th New York Infantry
Colonel Fairchild commanded the 89th New York Infantry. This unit was made up of soldiers from New York. They played a vital role in many battles. Fairchild led his troops bravely through tough times.
Important Battles and Campaigns
Fairchild and his regiment fought in many major battles. These battles were very important moments in the war. Some of the key battles he participated in include:
- The Peninsula Campaign: An early Union effort to capture the Confederate capital.
- The Battle of South Mountain: A fierce fight in Maryland before Antietam.
- The Battle of Antietam: One of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history.
- The Battle of Fredericksburg: A difficult battle for the Union army in Virginia.
- The Battle of Seven Pines: An early battle near Richmond, Virginia.
- The Battle of Cold Harbor: A very costly battle for the Union forces.
- The Siege of Petersburg: A long and difficult siege near the end of the war.
- The Battle of Appomattox Court House: The final battle where the main Confederate army surrendered.
Rising Through the Ranks
Because of his bravery and leadership, Fairchild received a special honor. He was made a Brevet Brigadier General. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion. It recognizes outstanding service, often for bravery in battle. It meant he was recognized as having the skills of a Brigadier General.
After the War
Harrison Stiles Fairchild served in the Union Army until 1865. This was when the Civil War ended. He had dedicated four years of his life to the war effort. After the war, he lived until 1901. He passed away in Rochester, New York. He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Fairchild is remembered as a dedicated officer. He played his part in a very important time in American history.