John Eaton Tourtellotte facts for kids

John Eaton Tourtellotte (born July 3, 1833 – died July 22, 1891) was a brave American soldier. He was a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He became a general on March 13, 1865.

Early Life and Army Days

John Tourtellotte was born on July 3, 1833. He was born in either Windham, Connecticut or Thompson, Connecticut. He went to Brown University and studied law. Then he moved to Mankato, Minnesota.

When the Civil War began, he joined the army. He started as a private soldier. Soon, he became a captain. He was part of the 4th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. On September 1, 1862, he became a lieutenant colonel. On October 5, 1864, he was promoted to colonel.

During the war, he fought in many important battles. He was at the Siege of Vicksburg. In the Battle of Allatoona in Georgia, he led 2,000 Union troops. They won against 7,000 Confederate soldiers. During this battle, on October 5, 1864, he was shot in the hip. But he did not leave the fight! He kept giving orders from an ambulance. This victory inspired a famous song called "Hold the Fort." After he got better, he joined Sherman's March to the Sea. He also fought in the Battle of Bentonville.

After the war, Tourtellotte joined the army again. He worked with Native American affairs in Utah. Later, he became a special helper for General William Tecumseh Sherman. He worked with General Sherman from 1871 to 1884. He finally retired from the army on March 20, 1885.

Later Years and Passing

Even though he moved to Washington D.C., John Tourtellotte still cared about Mankato. He gave $8,800 to help build the first hospital there. He also continued to work as a lawyer in Mankato and nearby Lake Crystal, Minnesota.

John Tourtellotte passed away on July 22, 1891. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Tourtellotte Park and Pool

The hospital that Tourtellotte helped build was taken down in 1903. About 40 years later, a new park was built in the same spot. This was the 13-acre Tourtellotte Park. It was built as a WPA project. The park included a bathhouse and a large outdoor swimming pool. The pool was also named after Colonel Tourtellotte.

The [Tourtellotte Pool] and bathhouse started to fall apart in the 1980s. But people from the area donated money to save them.