Leopold von Gilsa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leopold von Gilsa
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| Born | 1824 Erfurt, Germany |
| Died | March 1, 1870 New York City |
| Place of burial |
Green-Wood Cemetery Brooklyn
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Commands held | Von Gilsa's Brigade, XI Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Soldier in the Prussian Army, Singer and pianist |
Leopold von Gilsa was a brave soldier who fought in two different armies: first for Prussia (a country in Europe that is now part of Germany) and later for the United States. He is most remembered for leading a group of soldiers called the XI Corps during the American Civil War. His soldiers faced tough times, especially at the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Sadly, some people unfairly blamed his men for problems, even calling them cowards, which wasn't true.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
Leopold von Gilsa was born in Germany. He became an officer in the Prussian Army and fought in a war called the First Schleswig War (1848-1851). After that war, he moved to the United States. He settled in New York City. There, he taught piano lessons and sang in music halls.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, von Gilsa helped create a new army unit. This unit was made up of German-speaking soldiers. It was called the De Kalb Regiment, named after a hero of the American Revolution. This regiment later became the 41st New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
The New York Times newspaper wrote about the regiment forming in Yorkville, New York. The Union Defense Committee of New York City helped pay for some of the costs.
First Battles
Von Gilsa's regiment traveled to Washington, D.C., in July 1861. They were part of the campaign leading up to the First Battle of Bull Run. His regiment was held back as a reserve during this battle.
Later, the regiment fought in western Virginia. Von Gilsa was badly hurt while leading his soldiers in the Battle of Cross Keys.
While von Gilsa was recovering, his regiment fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run. They were part of a larger group led by Major General Franz Sigel. When Sigel's command became the XI Corps in late 1862, von Gilsa returned. He became the commander of a brigade (a group of regiments).
Major Battles
Chancellorsville Battle
In the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, von Gilsa's brigade was on the far right side of the Union army. He noticed Confederate troops moving in the woods nearby. He warned his division commander, Charles Devens, and the corps commander, Oliver Otis Howard. However, they did not listen to his warnings.
When the Confederates attacked, they surprised von Gilsa's brigade. His soldiers were overwhelmed and forced to retreat. Afterward, General Howard and others blamed von Gilsa and his German soldiers for what happened. This was unfair and showed a dislike for German Americans at the time.
Gettysburg Battle
In June 1863, von Gilsa was back in command of his brigade for the Battle of Gettysburg. On the first day, his division commander, Francis C. Barlow, moved his soldiers forward to a hill. This hill is now known as Barlow Knoll. Von Gilsa's men were on the right side of the line. They were pushed back by a Confederate attack that went around their side.
On the second day of the battle, the rest of von Gilsa's brigade was positioned at the bottom of Cemetery Hill. Their line was very thin. When the Confederates attacked again, they broke through. However, other Union troops, including those from Samuel Carroll's brigade, quickly helped. They pushed the Confederates back and held the line.
Later Campaigns
After Gettysburg, von Gilsa returned to commanding his regiment. His unit was moved to South Carolina. From August 1863 to June 1864, he commanded a brigade on Folly Island, one of the Sea Islands. He also led small scouting missions and raids in that area.
In June 1864, the soldiers of the De Kalb Regiment who had served their time returned to New York City. The regiment had started with nearly 1,500 men but came back with only 327. Von Gilsa remained an active officer until he officially left the army in December 1865.
Later Life and Death
Colonel von Gilsa passed away in New York City on March 1, 1870. He was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. His former commander, Franz Sigel, spoke at his funeral. Both Francis C. Barlow and Carl Schurz praised von Gilsa's courage. His soldiers also liked and respected him very much.
