James Cavanagh (soldier) facts for kids

James Cavanagh (born in 1831 – died January 7, 1901) was an Irish-American soldier. He became the first high-ranking general in the New York Guard.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

James Cavanagh was born in County Tipperary, Ireland. When he was sixteen years old, he moved to New York and started working as a carpenter.

In 1852, James joined the Sixty-Ninth Regiment of the Militia as a private soldier. The Militia was a group of trained citizens ready to help protect their state. By April 23, 1861, he had become a captain in Company C of this group. This was just as the American Civil War was starting.

Serving in the Civil War

After the First Battle of Bull Run, James Cavanagh's regiment was reorganized. It became known as the Sixty-Ninth New York Volunteers, part of the famous Irish Brigade. James went back to the war as a major, which is a higher rank.

He fought in many battles with the Army of the Potomac. This was the main Union army in the eastern part of the United States. During the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862, he was shot in the hip. This happened while he was bravely leading his regiment up Marye's Heights. Because of his injury, he had to leave the army.

Life After the War and Leadership

After the Civil War, the State Militia was reorganized again. It became what we know today as the National Guard. James Cavanagh rejoined his old regiment and was promoted to lieutenant-colonel.

In 1867, he was chosen to be the colonel of the regiment. He held this important leadership position for more than twenty years! On January 10, 1893, he received an honorary rank of brigadier-general. This was a very special honor because it was the first time this rank was given to an officer in the New York State Militia.

James Cavanagh retired in 1894, after serving his state and country for an amazing forty-two years. Before he passed away, he worked as a special customs inspector at the New York Custom House.