John Buford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Buford, Jr.
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Major General John Buford
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| Born | March 4, 1826 Woodford County, Kentucky |
| Died | December 16, 1863 (aged 37) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1848–1863 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | Chief of Cavalry, Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | Utah War American Civil War |
John Buford, Jr. (born March 4, 1826 – died December 16, 1863) was a brave United States Army cavalry officer. He fought for the Union side as a brigadier general during the American Civil War. Buford is best known for his important role on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, he found and held the "high ground" with his division. This action was key to the Union victory.
Buford finished his studies at West Point in 1848. When the Civil War began, he stayed loyal to the United States. This was true even though he was born in Kentucky, a state with mixed loyalties. During the war, he fought against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. He was part of the Army of the Potomac.
His first command was a cavalry group under Major General John Pope. He showed great skill at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862. He was wounded there but kept fighting. He also took part in the Battle of Antietam in September. Later, he was involved in Stoneman's Raid in the spring of 1863.
Buford's cavalry division was very important in the Gettysburg Campaign that summer. He arrived at the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on June 30, before the Confederate troops. Buford quickly set up strong defensive positions. On the morning of July 1, Confederate soldiers attacked his division. His men fought hard and held their ground just long enough. This allowed Union reinforcements to arrive. After a huge three-day battle, the Union troops won.
Buford continued to help the Army greatly. He chased Robert E. Lee after Gettysburg. He also served well in the Bristoe Campaign that autumn. However, his health began to fail, possibly from typhoid fever. Just before he died at age 37, President Abraham Lincoln sent him a special message. Lincoln promoted him to major general. This was to honor his smart tactics and leadership at Gettysburg.
Early Life and Education
John Buford was born in Woodford County, Kentucky. When he was eight, his family moved to Rock Island, Illinois. His father was a well-known politician in Illinois. Buford's family had a long history of military service. His grandfather, Simeon Buford, was a cavalry soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He served under Henry "Lighthorse" Lee. Henry Lee was the father of Robert E. Lee.
His great-uncle, Colonel Abraham Buford, also served in a Virginia regiment. His half-brother, Napoleon Bonaparte Buford, became a major general for the Union. His cousin, Abraham Buford, became a Confederate cavalry brigadier general.
After one year at Knox College, Buford joined the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1848. Many future famous generals were there with him. These included George B. McClellan, Thomas J. Jackson, and George Pickett. He also studied with two future commanders and friends, George Stoneman and Ambrose Burnside. Two men he would face at Gettysburg, A.P. Hill and Henry Heth, were also in his class.
Buford graduated 16th out of 38 cadets. He became a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Dragoons. The next year, he moved to the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. He served in Texas and fought against the Sioux. He also helped keep peace in Bleeding Kansas. In 1858, he served in the Utah War. He was stationed at Fort Crittenden, Utah, from 1859 to 1861. He studied military tactics, learning about new ways to fight battles.
Service in the Civil War
By 1860, soldiers like Buford heard a lot about states leaving the Union. The Pony Express brought news in April 1861 that Fort Sumter had been attacked. This meant the Civil War had truly begun. Like many officers, Buford had to choose between the North and the South.
Buford had reasons to join the Confederacy. He was from Kentucky. His wife's family and some of his own relatives would fight for the South. But Buford had been educated in the North. He had also grown up serving in the U.S. Army. His two main mentors, Colonels William S. Harney and Philip St. George Cooke, were Southerners who stayed with the Union. Buford loved being a soldier. His time on the frontier had made him feel less tied to the South.
A fellow officer, John Gibbon, remembered when Buford decided to stay with the Union. Gibbon said Buford told him, "I got a letter from the Governor of Kentucky. He sent me word to come to Kentucky at once and I shall have anything I want." Gibbon asked what Buford replied. Buford said, "I sent him word I was a Captain in the United States Army and I intended to remain one!"
In November 1861, Buford became an Assistant Inspector General. He was given the rank of major. In July 1862, he became a brigadier general of volunteers. He had spent several months defending Washington. In 1862, he led the Cavalry Brigade of the Union Army of Virginia. This group fought bravely at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Buford personally led a charge in that battle. He was wounded in the knee, but it was not serious.
He returned to duty and became chief of cavalry for Major Generals George B. McClellan and Ambrose E. Burnside. This was a staff job, and he wanted to lead troops in battle. In McClellan's Maryland Campaign, Buford was in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Under Major General Joseph Hooker in 1863, Buford finally got to lead troops again. He was given the Reserve Brigade of regular cavalry.
After the Battle of Chancellorsville, Major General Alfred Pleasonton took command of the Cavalry Corps. Buford first led his new division at the Battle of Brandy Station. This was almost entirely a cavalry battle. He then led them again at the Battle of Upperville.
In the Gettysburg Campaign, Buford was promoted to command the 1st Division. He is given credit for choosing the battlefield at Gettysburg. On June 30, Buford's troops rode into the small town. Buford quickly saw that he was facing a larger Confederate force. He began to set up defenses. He knew it was vital to hold the high ground south of Gettysburg. His men held this ground, starting one of the most important battles in American history.
His smart placement of troops and his men's bravery gave the I Corps time to arrive. This helped the Union keep important positions. Even after a huge attack by 140 cannons and a final infantry charge, the Union army won a major victory. Buford's leadership and foresight on July 1 were very important to this win. After the battle, Buford's troopers were sent away to get supplies. This was a bad decision that left the Union's left side open.
In the Retreat from Gettysburg, Buford chased the Confederates. He then took part in many operations in central Virginia. He was especially helpful in covering Major General George Meade's retreat in the October 1863 Bristoe Campaign.
The hero at Oak Ridge was John Buford... he not only showed the rarest tenacity, but his personal capacity made his cavalry accomplish marvels, and rival infantry in their steadfastness... Glorious John Buford!
– Maj. Gen. John Watts de Peyster on Buford's Dragoon tactics
Buford despised the false flourish and noisy parade of the charlatans of his service. He avoided too, perhaps, the proper praise due his glorious actions, his bravery and dash, without ostentation or pride, his coolness and able management and above all, the care of his men endeared him to all.
– Theo. F. Rodenbough, Brevet Brigadier General
Death and Lasting Impact
By mid-December, it was clear that Buford was very sick. He may have had typhoid. He rested at the Washington home of his good friend, General George Stoneman. On December 16, Stoneman suggested that Buford be promoted to major general. President Abraham Lincoln agreed. Lincoln wrote, "I am informed that General Buford will not survive the day. It suggests itself to me that he will be made Major General for distinguished and meritorious service at the Battle of Gettysburg."
When told of the promotion, Buford asked, "Does he mean it?" When he was told it was real, he simply said, "It is too late, now I wish I could live."
In his last hours, Buford was with his aide, Captain Myles Keogh, and his servant, Edward. Lieutenant Colonel A. J. Alexander and General Stoneman were also there. His wife Pattie was traveling from Illinois but did not arrive in time. Near the end, he became confused. But then, for a moment, he was clear. He called for Edward and apologized: "Edward, I hear that I have been scolding you. I did not know what I was doing. You have been a faithful servant, Edward."
John Buford died at 2 p.m. on December 16, 1863. Myles Keogh held him in his arms. His last reported words were, "Put guards on all the roads, and don't let the men run to the rear."
On December 20, memorial services were held in Washington, D.C. President Lincoln was among those who came to mourn. Buford's wife could not attend because she was sick. The pallbearers included Generals Casey, Heintzelman, Sickles, Schofield, Hancock, Doubleday, and Warren. General Stoneman led the procession. "Grey Eagle," Buford's old white horse from Gettysburg, was also there.
No more to follow his daring form
Or see him dash through the battle's storm
No more with him to ride down the foe
And behold his falchion's crushing blow
Nor hear his voice, like a rushing blast
As rider and steed went charging past ... Buford is dead!
After the service, two of Buford's staff, Captains Keogh and Wadsworth, took his body to West Point. He was buried next to another Gettysburg hero, Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing. Cushing had died defending the "high ground" (Cemetery Ridge) that Buford had chosen. In 1865, a 25-foot tall monument was built over his grave. Members of his old division paid for it. His staff officers wrote a statement showing how much they respected him:
... we, the staff officers of the late Major General John Buford, fully appreciating his merits as a gentleman, soldier, commander, and patriot, conceive his death to be an irreparable loss to the cavalry arm of the service. That we have been deprived of a friend and leader whose sole ambition was our success, and whose chief pleasure was in administering to the welfare, safety and happiness of the officers and men of his command.
... That to his unwearied exertions in the many responsible positions which he has occupied, the service at large is indebted for much of its efficiency, and in his death the cavalry has lost firm friend and most ardent advocate. That we are called to mourn the loss of one who was ever to us as the kindest and tenderest father, and that our fondest desire and wish will ever be to perpetuate his memory and emulate his greatness."
In 1866, a military fort in what is now North Dakota was named Fort Buford after the general. The town of Buford, Wyoming, was also renamed in his honor.
In 1895, a bronze statue of Buford was placed on the Gettysburg Battlefield. Artist James E. Kelly designed it.
In 1992, a light tank called the M8 Buford was made and named after him.
