Lewis Thompson Woodruff facts for kids

Lewis Thompson Woodruff (born March 5, 1816 – died May 25, 1869) was an important officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, but later moved to Mobile, Alabama in 1839.

Woodruff began his military service in Alabama on April 24, 1861. He started as a captain of a group called the "Mobile Rifles." This group became Company K of the 3rd Alabama Infantry. People thought so highly of Woodruff that another group, the "Woodruff Rifles," was named after him. They fought in the 21st Alabama Infantry. The 3rd Alabama regiment was formed in Montgomery, Alabama. It was the first Alabama regiment to travel to Virginia, where the war was happening. They officially joined the Confederate service in Lynchburg on May 4th.

Rising Through the Ranks

Woodruff served as a captain in the 3rd Alabama for one year. His regiment was part of a larger group with the 1st and 12th Virginia regiments. They were stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

On May 12, 1862, Woodruff was chosen to be a lieutenant colonel of a new group, the 36th Alabama Infantry. This regiment was formed at Mount Vernon Arsenal in Mount Vernon, Alabama. They stayed there for a month. Then, they helped build defenses at Oven Bluff shipyard on the Tombigbee River and at Choctaw Point. After that, they were stationed in Mobile. On March 14, 1863, Woodruff was promoted again to full colonel of the 36th regiment.

Fighting in Tennessee and Georgia

In April 1863, Colonel Woodruff and his regiment were sent to winter camps in Tullahoma, Tennessee. There, they joined a larger group with other Alabama regiments. This group was led by Brigadier General Henry Clayton.

When General Braxton Bragg had to move his army out of middle Tennessee during the Tullahoma Campaign, the 36th regiment moved with them. Colonel Woodruff led his regiment in their first big battle, the Battle of Chickamauga. He reported that his regiment fought bravely until they ran out of ammunition. They then got more supplies and went back into the fight.

The 36th regiment was recognized for capturing a cannon battery during the battle. They even had crossed cannons added to their flag as an honor. The regiment had few losses at the Battle of Lookout Mountain on November 24, 1863. However, they suffered many losses at the Battle of Missionary Ridge the next day. After these battles, the army moved to winter camps around Dalton, Georgia.

Wounding and Retirement

After a very cold and difficult winter, Colonel Woodruff led his men into more battles in Georgia. These included fights at Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, and finally at New Hope Church.

At New Hope Church, on May 25, 1864, Colonel Woodruff was badly wounded. A bullet hit his thigh near a major blood vessel. He was carried off the battlefield, and many thought he would not survive. However, he did survive. He was even recommended for a promotion to brigadier general. But his leg was so badly hurt that he could not walk even with crutches. Because of this, a medical board suggested he retire. On December 13, 1864, he officially retired from the Confederate Army. He returned to Mobile in early 1865.

A Heroic End

On May 25, 1869, Lewis Thompson Woodruff showed great bravery one last time. He rushed into a burning building to try and save property for a friend. Sadly, a falling wall crushed his skull, and he died. The Mobile Register newspaper published a tribute to him on May 27, honoring his heroic act.