Henry Brewerton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Brewerton
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Henry Brewerton
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| Born | September 25, 1801 New York City, New York |
| Died | April 17, 1879 (aged 77) Wilmington, Delaware |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1819 - 1867 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Superintendent, United States Military Academy |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Brewerton (born September 25, 1801 – died April 17, 1879) was an important engineering officer in the United States Army. He served as the leader, or Superintendent, of the United States Military Academy. Later, he became a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was even made a "brevet" brigadier general by President Andrew Johnson. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion, meaning he had the title but not always the higher pay or command. The United States Senate officially approved this promotion in 1867.
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Henry Brewerton's Early Life and Training
Henry Brewerton was born in New York City, New York. He lost his parents when he was very young. A kind man named Daniel D. Tompkins, who later became a governor and vice president, took care of him. Thanks to Tompkins, Henry joined the United States Military Academy when he was almost 12 years old. This made him the youngest cadet ever at West Point!
He finished his studies on July 1, 1819. He was one of the top students in his class, ranking 5th out of 29 cadets. On the same day, he became a 2nd lieutenant in the army, even though he was not yet 18 years old.
His First Army Jobs
After graduating, Henry worked briefly at Rouses Point. He helped map the border between the United States and Canada. It turned out his map was a bit off! A fort built there, Fort Montgomery, was actually on Canadian land. Because of this, the border line had to be moved.
After this, Brewerton taught engineering at West Point for a year. Then, he had many temporary jobs building forts. He worked on forts in Delaware, Georgia, and New York Harbor. From 1824 to 1827, he supervised building Fort Jackson in Louisiana. He then worked on Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island from 1827 to 1828. Sadly, his wife passed away during his time in Newport. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1825.
Building Roads and Rivers
From 1828 to 1832, Brewerton oversaw building defenses for Charleston Harbor. After that, he worked on the Cumberland Road in Ohio from 1832 to 1836. This road was one of the first major highways in the country. He became a captain in 1836.
He then helped improve the Hudson River in New York from 1836 to 1842. He also oversaw the building of Fort Montgomery in New York from 1841 to 1845.
Leading West Point
Henry Brewerton returned to West Point in 1845. This time, he was the superintendent, or head, of the military academy. He held this important job until 1852. Another famous general, Robert E. Lee, took over from him.
After West Point, Brewerton managed the building of Fort Carroll near Baltimore, Maryland. He was promoted to major in 1856. He had been a captain for almost 19 years!
Henry Brewerton's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in April 1861, Henry Brewerton was traveling in Europe and other parts of the world. He was with another officer, Zealous Bates Tower.
He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in August 1861. After this, he became the main engineer for forts and improvements in places like Baltimore Harbor, Fort Monroe, and Hampton Roads. These were very important places for the Union Army. He was promoted to colonel in April 1864.
In December 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Brewerton to be a brevet brigadier general. This honorary rank was approved by the United States Senate in February 1867.
Retirement and Later Life
Henry Brewerton retired from the army on March 7, 1867. He had served the U.S. Army for over 47 years! This doesn't even include the almost six years he spent as a cadet at West Point. He spent his last years living in Delaware.
He passed away in Wilmington, Delaware on April 17, 1879. He is buried with his wife at the Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island.
Henry's son, George Douglas Brewerton, became a well-known painter, poet, and journalist. Another son, Major Henry F. Brewerton, also fought in the Civil War. He served in the 5th Artillery from 1861 until he retired in 1892.
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Henry Brewerton
