Joseph Warren Revere (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Warren Revere
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | May 17, 1812 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | April 20, 1880 (aged 67) Hoboken, New Jersey |
| Place of burial |
Holy Rood Catholic Cemetery, Morristown, New Jersey
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Mexico |
| Service/ |
United States Navy Mexican Army United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1828–1850 (US Navy) 1850–1852 (Mexican Army) 1861–1863 (US Army) |
| Rank |  Lieutenant (USN) .gif){kind=small} Colonel (Mexico) Brigadier General (USV) Brevet Major General (USV) |
| Unit | USS Constitution |
| Commands held | 7th New Jersey Infantry Regiment Excelsior Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Second Seminole War Mexican–American War Indian Rebellion of 1857 Second Italian War of Independence American Civil War |
| Awards | Order of Isabella the Catholic |
Joseph Warren Revere (born May 17, 1812 – died April 20, 1880) was an officer who served in the United States Navy and later the United States Army. He also spent time in the Mexican Army. Joseph was the grandson of the famous Paul Revere. He is most known for being a Union general during the American Civil War. He faced a military trial after the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Joseph Warren Revere was born on May 17, 1812. He was the grandson of Paul Revere, a hero of the American Revolution. Joseph was named after General Joseph Warren, a close friend of his grandfather. General Warren was a famous doctor and general during the American Revolution.
In 1828, at age 16, Joseph joined the United States Navy. He traveled all over the world, including Europe, the Pacific, and the Baltic States. He eventually became a lieutenant.
Service in Different Wars
Revere fought in the Second Seminole War, but he did not see much action. He later fought in the Mexican–American War. He was praised for his bravery during battles. He was the one who took down the Bear Flag and raised the American Flag over Sonoma for the first time.
After almost 20 years, Revere left the Navy in 1850. He first lived in California, then moved to Morristown, New Jersey.
Joining the Mexican Army
Revere then joined the Mexican Army as a colonel. He was asked to help reorganize the Mexican Artillery Corps. Both the Spanish and Mexican governments honored him for his work.
In 1851, Queen Isabella II of Spain made Revere a knight. This was because he rescued 13 Spanish citizens. He received the Order of Isabella the Catholic award. In 1852, Revere retired and returned to Morristown, New Jersey.
Travels and Later Life
The home he built in Morristown, called The Willows at Fosterfields, still has some of his paintings. It is now part of the Morris County Park System.
In 1857 and 1858, Revere traveled through Europe with his friend, Phil Kearny. He also visited India. He received a British medal for his service in the Indian Mutiny Campaign of 1857–58. He was also present at the Battle of Sulferino during the Italian Campaigns of 1858–59.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Revere tried to join the Union Navy. However, there were no officer positions available for him. He had been appointed head of the New Jersey Militia earlier. So, he decided to join the Union Army instead.
Revere became a Colonel of the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. He led his troops in the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battle. Revere then fought at the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he was again praised for his bravery.
In October 1862, Joseph Revere was promoted to brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, he led a brigade but saw little fighting. He was later given command of the Excelsior Brigade.
The Battle of Chancellorsville and Court-Martial
Revere's most difficult time during the Civil War came after the Battle of Chancellorsville. The Union Army had lost, and people were looking for someone to blame.
During the battle, Union division commander Maj. Gen. Hiram Berry was badly wounded. Command then went to Revere. The battle was very confusing, with no clear front lines. Revere decided to gather his men and have them regroup at a specific point. This involved a three-mile march. Revere called it a "regrouping effort," not a retreat.
However, General Joseph Hooker ordered Revere to be court-martialed (a military trial). Abraham Lincoln later overturned the court's decision and put Revere back in his position. But Revere resigned at the same time. In 1866, the United States Congress honored Revere with the rank of Brevet Major General. This means he was recognized for the rank, but it was not a full promotion.
Later Life and Death
After leaving the army, Revere traveled the world and wrote books. However, his health had been affected by his time in the Civil War. He had a severe case of rheumatic fever during the Peninsula Campaign. He was also badly wounded at the Second Battle of Manassas.
He wrote two books: Keel and Saddle: A Retrospect of 40 years of Military and Naval Service and A Tour of Duty in California. The second book included a description of the Gold Region.
In 1875, while traveling in France, he visited the ruined castle of his ancestors, the De Rivoires. He drew their family crest.
Joseph Revere's health was poor for some time. He died on April 20, 1880, in Hoboken, New Jersey, at age 67. He is buried with his family at Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown.
Legacy
In 1881, Charles Grant Foster bought Revere's farm in Morris Township, New Jersey. Foster's daughter, Caroline Rose Foster, later gave the farm to the Morris County Parks Commission in 1972. It was preserved as a "Historical Living Historical Farm." Here, actors portray General Revere for educational programs. The farm was renamed Fosterfields, but one of the houses on the property still carries General Revere's name.
Images for kids
-
Revere's 1849 proposal for the Great Seal of California
-
Revere's 1849 illustration of a Pui Day (Feast Day) he attended near Monterey, California.
-
Revere's illustration of a Ranchero (Rancho owner) capturing a bear, possibly a metaphor for the 1847 Conquest of California
-
A colorized photograph of Joseph Warren Revere circa 1860–1865, likely during the Civil War
