Israel B. Richardson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Israel B. Richardson
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General Israel B. Richardson
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| Nickname(s) | Fighting Dick |
| Born | December 26, 1815 Fairfax, Vermont |
| Died | November 3, 1862 (aged 46) Sharpsburg, Maryland |
| Place of burial |
Oak Hill Cemetery
Pontiac, Michigan |
| Allegiance |  United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1841 – 1855; 1861 – 1862 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 1st Division, II Corps, Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | Second Seminole War Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Israel Bush Richardson (born December 26, 1815 – died November 3, 1862) was a brave American soldier. He served as a high-ranking officer, a major general, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. People called him "Fighting Dick" because he was so good in battle. Sadly, he was badly hurt during the Battle of Antietam and later died from his injuries. He also fought in the Mexican–American War.
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Early Life and Military Start
Richardson was born in Fairfax, Vermont. He was said to be related to a famous general from the American Revolutionary War, Israel Putnam. He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He finished his studies in 1841. Many of his classmates also became generals during the Civil War.
After graduating, Richardson became a second lieutenant. He served in the Second Seminole War in Florida. This was a conflict between the United States and the Seminole Native Americans. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1846.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
Richardson earned special honors for his brave service during the Mexican–American War. He was recognized for his actions in battles like Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. It was during this war that he earned his famous nickname, "Fighting Dick."
After the war, he continued to serve as a captain in the army. He was stationed at various forts in Texas and New Mexico. In 1855, he decided to leave the army and became a farmer near Pontiac, Michigan.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, Richardson was still farming in Michigan. He quickly joined the Union Army. He even helped to gather and train a group of soldiers called the 2nd Michigan Infantry.
In May 1861, he married Fannie Travor. When he brought his soldiers to Washington, D.C., General Winfield Scott was very happy to see him. General Scott said, "I'm glad to have my 'Fighting Dick' with me again!" Richardson was promoted to colonel and given command of a brigade, which is a large group of soldiers.
Early Battles
Richardson's brigade saw some action at the First Battle of Bull Run. They helped cover the army's retreat back to Washington. He was then promoted to brigadier general.
He led several brigades in the Army of the Potomac. Later, he commanded the 1st Division of the II Corps during the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. His division fought in battles like Yorktown, Seven Pines, and the Seven Days Battles. He was especially noted for his fierce fighting near the Chickahominy River. After the Seven Days Battles, Richardson was promoted to major general. His division was in Washington, D.C., during the Second Battle of Bull Run, so they did not fight in that battle.
The Battle of Antietam
Richardson's 1st Division played a very important part in the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862. They attacked Confederate positions in the middle of a sunken road. This road later became known as "Bloody Lane" because of the intense fighting there.
After a tough fight, Richardson's soldiers took control of the high ground. They were able to fire down on the remaining Confederate soldiers in the road. Richardson pushed forward and was directing his cannons and planning another attack. At that moment, he was hit by a piece of an enemy shell.
He was taken to a field hospital. At first, his wound was not thought to be deadly. He was given a room at General George B. McClellan's headquarters. Even President Abraham Lincoln visited him in October. However, Richardson developed an infection and then pneumonia. He sadly passed away in early November. He was one of six generals who were killed or badly wounded at Antietam.
His body was taken to Detroit. Many people lined the streets during his funeral procession to Pontiac, Michigan. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Honors and Legacy
Several places and groups were named in honor of Israel B. Richardson:
- Fort Richardson, Texas, a frontier fort active from 1867 to 1878, was named for him.
- The Israel B. Richardson Camp #2 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Michigan was also named after him.
- Battery Richardson, a large coastal artillery gun battery at Fort Hancock, New Jersey, was named in his memory.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
