Henry Rinaldo Porter facts for kids
Henry Rinaldo Porter (born February 13, 1848 – died March 3, 1903) was an army doctor, also known as a Surgeon, who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry. He played an important role during the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Porter was born in a place called Lee Center, New York. He studied medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine and finished his studies in 1872. After that, he worked for three months at a hospital in Washington, D.C., to gain more experience.
Life as an Army Doctor
In 1872, Henry Porter became an army doctor, working under a special contract. His first assignment was in the Arizona Territory with General George Crook. He was recognized for his bravery there.
In 1873, Dr. Porter was sent to Camp Hancock in Bismarck, which was part of the Dakota Territory at the time.
Serving with Custer and Reno
In 1876, Dr. Porter joined Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer's forces. Custer assigned Dr. Porter to a group led by Frederick Benteen. This group marched towards the Little Bighorn River in May and June of 1876.
Later, during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Dr. Porter was assigned to Major Reno's group. He was the only one of the three army doctors available to help the soldiers who survived on Reno Hill. They were surrounded for two days. The other two doctors, Dr. George Edwin Lord and Dr. James Madison DeWolf, had been killed during the battle.
After the battle, Dr. Porter cared for the wounded soldiers on a steamboat called the Far West. This boat carried the injured soldiers back to Fort Abraham Lincoln.
Dr. Porter finished his contract service with the army in December 1876. He later gave his testimony at an official investigation about the battle in 1879.
Later Life and Passing
Henry Porter passed away in 1903 in Agra, India. He was on a trip around the world when he died. His wife, Charlotte Viets, had passed away earlier, in 1888, and is buried in Oberlin, Ohio. There is a memorial for Dr. Porter next to his wife's grave, but he is buried in India.
Today, there are streets named after him in New York Mills, New York, where he lived as a young person, and also in Bismarck, North Dakota.
