John Garland (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Garland
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|---|---|
| Born | November 15, 1793 Virginia |
| Died | June 5, 1861 (aged 67) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Oak Hill Cemetery
Georgetown, Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1813–1861 |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 8th U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
John Garland (born November 15, 1793 – died June 5, 1861) was an American general. He had a very long and important career in the U.S. Army, serving for 50 years! He fought in many big events like the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars, the Mexican–American War, and the Utah War. He was even in the army when the American Civil War started.
Contents
John Garland's Early Life and Army Start
John Garland was born in Virginia. His mother, Elizabeth Penn Garland, was related to William Penn, a famous person who helped start Pennsylvania.
Garland joined the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. By 1813, he was a first lieutenant. He served in the 35th Infantry during the war. After the war, he moved to the 3rd Infantry. He stayed in the army, working in the quartermaster's department. Later, he fought under General William J. Worth in the Seminole Wars in Florida.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
John Garland played a big part in the Mexican–American War. This war happened between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848.
Battles in Northern Mexico
On May 7, 1839, Garland was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 4th U.S. Infantry. He fought under General Zachary Taylor in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. During this time, he commanded a young officer named Ulysses S. Grant, who would later become a famous general and U.S. President.
Because of his good service in these two battles, Garland was given a special promotion called a brevet to full colonel. He then led a brigade (a large group of soldiers) of regular army troops. This brigade was part of David E. Twiggs's division.
Battles in Central Mexico
Later, Garland joined General Winfield Scott's army. He was again serving under William Worth, who was now his division commander. Garland fought in several important battles, including the Siege of Veracruz, the Battle of Cerro Gordo, the Battle of Contreras, and the Battle of Churubusco.
For his brave actions in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, he was given another brevet promotion. This time, he became a brigadier general. He continued to lead his brigade in the Battle of Molino del Rey and in the attack on Chapultepec.
Garland had made it through the war without any serious injuries. However, when his brigade marched into Mexico City after it fell, he was shot in the chest by a Mexican sharpshooter and badly wounded.
Later Years and the Civil War
After recovering from his injury, John Garland returned to duty. He was made colonel of the 8th U.S. Infantry. In 1848, a future famous general named James Longstreet married Garland's daughter. Longstreet even named his first son "John Garland Longstreet" to honor his father-in-law.
In 1857–58, Garland was in charge of a military area that dealt with the Utah War. He was still an active officer in the U.S. Army when the American Civil War began in 1861. Even though he was from Virginia and had close family ties to James Longstreet (who became a leading general for the Confederacy), Garland stayed loyal to the Union.
Sadly, his service to the Union was short. He died on June 5, 1861, in New York City, while still on active duty. John Garland was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C..
His nephew, Samuel Garland, Jr., also became a general, but he fought for the Confederacy. Samuel Garland, Jr. was killed in the Battle of South Mountain in 1862.
Honors and Legacy
Fort Garland in Colorado was named in honor of John Garland.
