Louis Henry Marshall facts for kids

Louis Henry Marshall (1827–1891) was an important officer in the U.S. Army. He was from Virginia and served in several major conflicts during his time, including the American Civil War and the Snake War. He spent much of his career on the American frontier.

Early Life and Army Career

Louis Henry Marshall was born in Virginia in 1827. His mother was the sister of the famous general, Robert E. Lee.

Marshall joined the U.S. Military Academy in 1845. He graduated in 1849 as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Infantry Regiment. He missed fighting in the Mexican–American War because he was still at West Point.

After graduating, he was stationed at Fort Columbus in New York from 1849 to 1850. Then, he moved to the frontier in New Mexico Territory. He served at places like Santa Fé and San Elizario, Texas. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1851. He also served at Fort Union and helped a team that was mapping the land.

From 1854 to 1855, Marshall was at Fort Craig. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in the 10th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He then went to the Cavalry School for Practice in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After that, he helped with recruiting new soldiers until 1858. He returned to frontier duty at Camp Floyd in Utah Territory until 1860. He then moved to Fort Laramie in Nebraska Territory. In 1860, he became a Captain in the 10th Infantry.

American Civil War

During the American Civil War, Marshall fought for the Union Army. He was an Aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to General John Pope. He served with General Pope from August 1861 to July 1865.

Key Campaigns

Marshall was involved in several important military actions:

• He participated in operations in Missouri from August 1861 to April 1862.
• He was part of the advance and Siege of Corinth in April and May 1862.
• He also served in the Northern Virginia Campaign from July to September 1862.
• On June 30, 1862, he was promoted to Colonel.

Department of the Northwest

In September 1862, Marshall went with General Pope to the Department of the Northwest. He continued to be Pope's aide until July 1865. He was involved in the Dakota War of 1862. He also worked as the Commissary of Musters, which meant he helped keep track of soldiers and supplies.

During this time, Marshall received more promotions. He became a Major in the 14th U.S. Infantry Regiment in October 1863. Later, in March 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel. This was for his brave and excellent service during the war.

Snake War

After the Civil War, Marshall was stationed at Fort Vancouver in Washington from August 1865 to March 1866. He was in charge of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment.

When General Frederick Steele took command of the Department of the Columbia, Marshall was put in charge of the military District of Boise. His headquarters were at Fort Boise. He arrived there on March 20, 1866.

Marshall took command just as the Native American group known as the Snakes began raiding parts of eastern Oregon. They attacked ranches, stagecoaches, and travelers. One of the worst events was when the Snakes attacked Chinese immigrants traveling to mining towns in May 1866. These attacks, known as the Chinese Massacres, resulted in the deaths of at least 99 Chinese people.

After hearing about these attacks, Marshall led a group of soldiers up the Owyhee River. He believed this group of Snakes was involved in the massacres. He found them at the Three Forks of the Owyhee River. There, he fought the Battle of Three Forks on May 27–28, 1866.

While in the District of Boise, Marshall's command was reorganized. His 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, became part of the new 23rd U.S. Infantry Regiment on September 21, 1866. This was part of a plan to make the U.S. Army smaller after the Civil War.

Marshall remained in command of the District of Boise until November 26, 1866. He faced criticism from local newspapers and his superiors because he hadn't been able to stop the Snake attacks. He was replaced by Captain David Perry, and then by Lt. Colonel George R. Crook in December 1866.

After this, Marshall served at Fort Vancouver again from January to April 1867. He then moved to Fort Dalles, Oregon, where he served on military courts until September 1867. He then waited for new orders and took a leave of absence. On November 23, 1868, he resigned from the U.S. Army.

Later Life

After leaving the Army, Louis Henry Marshall became a farmer. He lived in San Bernardino County, California, near Cucamonga. He passed away at the age of 67 on October 8, 1891, in Monrovia, California.