Henry Morris Naglee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Morris Naglee
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Henry Morris Naglee
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| Born | January 15, 1815 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | March 5, 1886 (aged 71) San Francisco, California |
| Place of burial |
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1835, 1846–1848, 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | 5th U.S. Infantry 16th U.S. Infantry |
| Commands held | 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, IV Corps VII Corps District of Virginia |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Other work | civil engineer, banker, viticulturist |
Henry Morris Naglee (born January 15, 1815 – died March 5, 1886) was an important American figure. He was a civil engineer, a banker, and a famous winemaker. He also served as a General in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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Henry Naglee's Early Life and Career
Henry Naglee was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 15, 1815. He attended the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated in 1835, ranking 23rd in his class of 56 cadets.
After graduating, Naglee joined the 5th U.S. Infantry. However, he soon left the army to work as a civil engineer. This job involved designing and building things like roads and bridges.
Naglee in the Mexican-American War
In 1846, Naglee went to California during the Mexican–American War. He was a captain leading Company D of the 1st Regiment of New York Volunteers. He led a group of soldiers to La Paz in Baja California.
During the Skirmish of Todos Santos, Naglee led 45 mounted soldiers. They attacked the Mexican forces from behind, which caused their resistance to break down. After the battle, Naglee faced a serious challenge for his actions during the war. However, President Polk later pardoned military and naval offenders.
Starting the California National Guard
After leaving the army in 1849, Captain Naglee became the first leader of the 1st California Guards. This was a California Militia unit located in San Francisco. This unit was the beginning of what is now known as the California National Guard.
A Career in Banking and Winemaking
Naglee also started a career in banking. In 1858, he traveled to Europe to study viticulture, which is the science of growing grapes. Later that year, he bought a large piece of land near San Jose, California.
On his 140-acre estate, he planted vineyards with Riesling and Charbono grapes. He used these grapes to make brandy. His high-quality brandy and his deep knowledge of winemaking made him very famous. People called him the "Father of California's brandy industry."
Naglee's Role in the Civil War
In May 1861, Naglee rejoined the United States Army. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 16th U.S. Infantry. Because it took a long time to recruit soldiers for his regiment, Naglee wanted to serve actively. He resigned in January 1862.
Becoming a Brigadier General
The next month, Naglee was made a brigadier general of Volunteers. He was given command of a brigade in the IV Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
He fought in the Peninsula Campaign, including the Battle of Fair Oaks on May 31. His brigade and division were made up of new soldiers. They fought bravely when attacked, even though they eventually had to retreat. Naglee's horse was killed under him, and he was wounded four times.
Later Commands and Return to Civilian Life
Later that year, Naglee commanded a brigade and a division in North Carolina. He helped in the relief of Washington. In 1863, he commanded the VII Corps and the District of Virginia.
In 1864, he left the army. He returned to San Jose to continue his work in banking and brandy making. He also supported General McClellan in the election for the Democratic Party.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1865, Henry Naglee married Marie Antoinette Ringgold. She was 24 years old and the daughter of his friend George Hays Ringgold. She was also a descendant of President James Monroe. They had two daughters, Marie, born in 1866, and Antoinette, born in 1869. Mrs. Naglee passed away in 1869, and Naglee never remarried.
Henry Naglee died in San Francisco on March 5, 1886, due to illness. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Naglee's Lasting Impact
After his death, Naglee's estate in San Jose was developed into a neighborhood. His daughters created the residential Naglee Park neighborhood in 1902. They also placed a stone and brass memorial for Naglee in San Jose's St. James Park. A street in San Jose, Naglee Avenue, was named after him.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
