Henry Washington Benham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Washington Benham
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Henry W. Benham
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| Born | April 17, 1813 Cheshire, Connecticut |
| Died | July 1, 1884 (aged 71) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1837–1882 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | Engineer Brigade / Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Henry Washington Benham was an important American soldier and engineer. He lived from 1813 to 1884. He became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Education
Henry Benham was born in Cheshire, Connecticut. He was a very smart student. In 1837, he graduated first in his class. This was at the West Point military school.
After school, he joined the Engineer Corps. This group worked on government projects. He also fought in the Mexican–American War from 1847 to 1848.
Later, he helped build important structures. From 1849 to 1852, he oversaw a sea wall. This wall protected Great Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. He also worked at the Washington Navy Yard from 1852 to 1853.
Service During the Civil War
In 1861, Benham became an engineer for the Department of the Ohio. That same year, he was promoted. He became a brigadier general of volunteers. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade at New Creek.
During the Battle of James Island in June 1862, he was in charge under Major General David Hunter. After this battle, he faced a military court. This was because he did not follow orders.
From 1863 to 1865, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was in command of the engineer brigade. This brigade was part of the Army of the Potomac.
After the War
Benham left the volunteer service on January 15, 1866. On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson wanted to honor Benham. He nominated him to be a brevet major general of volunteers. This rank was confirmed on March 12, 1866.
Later, on December 11, 1866, President Johnson nominated him again. This time, it was for the rank of brevet major general in the U.S. Army. This was confirmed on March 2, 1867.
In 1867, he was promoted to colonel. He continued his engineering work. From 1866 to 1873, he was in charge of the Boston Harbor sea wall. From 1877 to 1882, he oversaw the defenses of New York Harbor. He was also very skilled at building pontoon bridges.
See also
In Spanish: Henry Washington Benham para niños
