Joseph Bailey (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Bailey
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Brigadier General Joseph Bailey, ca. 1864
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| Born | May 6, 1825 Morgan County, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | March 21, 1867 (aged 41) near Nevada, Missouri, U.S. |
| Buried |
Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
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| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Bailey (born May 6, 1825 – died March 21, 1867) was a clever engineer who became a general in the Union Army. He played an important role during the American Civil War. His engineering skills saved many soldiers and ships during a tough campaign.
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Early Life and Career
Joseph Bailey was born in Morgan County, Ohio. He studied civil engineering at the University of Illinois. After finishing his studies, he moved to Wisconsin. There, he worked as an engineer and also in the lumber business.
He was very good at building things. For example, he successfully built a special log dam on the Wisconsin River. This dam helped lumber raftsmen move logs easily. Later, he and his wife, Mary, bought land in Kilbourn, Wisconsin, which is now known as Wisconsin Dells.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Joseph Bailey joined the Union Army in 1861. He started as a captain in the 4th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. His unit became part of Major General Benjamin F. Butler's Army of the Gulf.
This army occupied New Orleans after Admiral David Farragut captured the city in April 1862. Soon after, Bailey was made the acting chief engineer for New Orleans. This meant he was in charge of important building and repair projects in the city.
In May 1863, Bailey was promoted to major. He helped with engineering tasks during the Siege of Port Hudson. This was an important battle to gain control of the Mississippi River. In August 1863, he became a lieutenant colonel. This happened when his regiment changed its name to the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment.
Saving the Red River Campaign
Joseph Bailey's engineering skills were most famous during the 1864 Red River Campaign. This campaign was led by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks. The Union Army faced a big problem during this campaign.
General Banks' army was trying to capture Shreveport. But they were stopped by Confederate forces at the Battle of Mansfield. As they retreated down the Red River, they found the water level was too low. This meant Commander David Dixon Porter's fleet of ten Federal gunboats could not pass.
Banks was worried he would have to leave the ships behind. Without the ships' support, his entire army would be in danger. That's when Bailey came up with a brilliant idea.
Building Bailey's Dam
Bailey suggested building a special type of dam called a wing dam. He had experience building these for lumber in Wisconsin. He believed this dam would raise the river's water level. Once the water was high enough, the ships could float over the shallow parts. Then, the dam would be broken, and the fleet would be safe.
General Banks agreed to try Bailey's plan. For ten days, about 10,000 soldiers worked very hard. They built the dam on both sides of the river. Finally, on May 10, 1864, the river rose. The dam was broken, and all the ships floated past the shallow area.
Thanks to Bailey's clever plan, Porter's fleet and Banks' army were saved. You can still see the remains of Bailey's Dam in Alexandria, Louisiana, today.
A Special Honor
The United States Congress was very grateful for Bailey's actions. They voted to give him the Thanks of Congress. This was a very rare honor. Only fifteen army officers received it during the Civil War. Bailey was the only one who did not command a large army or corps at the time.
The original "Thanks of Congress" document, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, is on display in Wisconsin. Other items related to Joseph Bailey can be seen at museums in Wisconsin Dells.
Promotion to General
In June 1864, Bailey became a colonel of the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry. He then commanded the Engineer Brigade in the XIX Corps. Later, he was in charge of the District of West Florida. He also commanded the District of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson in Louisiana. He held other important commands until the war ended.
President Abraham Lincoln appointed Joseph Bailey as a brigadier general of volunteers. This appointment was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 1866. After he left the service, President Andrew Johnson also nominated him for a special honorary rank. This was the brevet rank of major general of volunteers. This honor was confirmed shortly after his death.
Later Years and Legacy
Joseph Bailey lived for less than two years after the war ended. In October 1865, he moved with his family to Vernon County, Missouri. There, he was elected as the sheriff.
Sadly, he was killed on March 21, 1867, near Nevada, Missouri, while performing his duties as sheriff.
General Bailey was buried with special honors in a military cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. Later, his remains were moved to Evergreen Cemetery, where he rests next to his wife.
A monument stands in his memory in Malta, Ohio. There is also a book about his life called Hero of the Red River - The Life and Times of Joseph Bailey.
Images for kids
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Brigadier General Joseph Bailey, ca. 1864
