Howard B. Cushing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Bass Cushing
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| Born | August 22, 1838 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Died | May 5, 1871 (aged 32) Whetstone Mountains, Arizona Territory |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1871 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars |
| Relations | Alonzo Cushing (brother) William B. Cushing (brother) |
Howard Bass Cushing (August 22, 1838 – May 5, 1871) was an American soldier. He served during the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. He was killed by the Apache during a campaign in Arizona Territory.
Cushing was about five feet, seven inches tall. He was known for being very active and strong. People described him as "active as a cat" with "keen gray or bluish green eyes." His physical strength and reputation as a fighter made him famous in the American Southwest after the Civil War.
Howard Cushing's Military Career
Howard Cushing was sometimes called "The Custer of Arizona." This was because of his brave actions and achievements. His brother, Alonzo, was even a classmate of George Armstrong Custer at West Point, a famous military academy.
Howard Cushing served in the Union Army's artillery during the Civil War. He first joined as a Private. Later, he became a Second Lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery. This happened after his brother's death.
The Cushing family was well-known during the Civil War. Howard had two famous brothers. One brother, William Barker Cushing, was famous for defeating a Confederate warship called the CSS Albemarle. Another brother, Alonzo Cushing, bravely died at the Gettysburg. He later received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Howard often tried to live up to his brothers' successes.
By the end of 1867, Cushing became a First Lieutenant. He served in Troop F of the 3rd Cavalry. His service took him to western Texas and then southern Arizona. People said that he and his troops had fought more Apaches than any other officer or group in the U.S. Army.
The Cushing Massacre
In 1871, Cushing was ordered to chase Chiricahua Apache groups. These groups were led by Chief Cochise. They had recently broken a peace agreement near Tucson. Cushing and 22 soldiers followed the Apache groups south. They were heading towards the Mexican border. This border was often used as a safe place by Native American groups.
On May 5, 1871, Cushing's group met an Apache group. This happened about fifteen miles north of today's Fort Huachuca. The area was known as Bear Spring in the Whetstone Mountains. This Apache group was not led by Chief Cochise. Instead, it was reportedly led by a chief named Juh. Juh was known for wanting to kill Cushing.
Cushing and his lead soldiers were immediately attacked. Lieutenant Cushing, Private Martin Green, and a Mr. Simpson were killed. A Private Pierce was wounded. Several horses were also killed or hurt. The fight was very intense, even turning into hand-to-hand combat. Cushing's sergeant, John Mott, managed to save the wounded. He also led the remaining soldiers to a successful retreat.
Within two days, three U.S. Cavalry Troops were sent from Fort Crittenden. They went to chase the Apaches. They found Cushing's body along with his fallen fellow soldiers. The Apaches had taken their clothing.
On June 2, 1871, the Army announced Cushing's death. They said he died "while gallantly leading his command in an attack against the band of Indians." Cushing was first buried at Fort Lowell, near Tucson. Later, his body was moved to San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio of San Francisco.
Legacy
Cushing Street and the Cushing Street Bar in downtown Tucson, Arizona are named after Howard Cushing. There is also a monument that honors Alonzo, William, and Howard Cushing. This monument is located at Cushing Memorial Park in Delafield, Wisconsin.
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Cushing Memorial Park Monument Plaque
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Cushing Memorial Park Monument
