Napoleon B. McLaughlen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Napoleon Bonaparte McLaughlen
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Civil War–era portrait of McLaughlen.
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| Born | December 8, 1823 Chelsea, Vermont |
| Died | January 27, 1887 (aged 63) Middletown, New York |
| Place of burial |
Maple Grove Cemetery,
Worcester, New York |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1850–1859 1861–1882 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd U.S. Dragoons 1st U.S. Cavalry 4th U.S. Cavalry 10th U.S. Cavalry |
| Commands held | 1st Massachusetts Infantry 57th Massachusetts Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Napoleon Bonaparte McLaughlen was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during the entire American Civil War. He earned special promotions, called brevet promotions, to the rank of Brigadier General. These promotions were for both the U.S. Volunteers and the Regular Army.
Contents
Life of Napoleon McLaughlen
Napoleon Bonaparte McLaughlen was born in Chelsea, Vermont, in 1823. He started his military journey as a Private in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. In 1850, he became a Sergeant in the same group. He served until 1859 before leaving the army.
Joining the Civil War
In May 1861, McLaughlen returned to the U.S. military. He became a 1st Lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment. He was part of the regular Cavalry until he was made a Colonel. This new role put him in charge of the 1st Massachusetts Volunteers Infantry Regiment.
Key Battles and Promotions
As a Colonel, he fought in many major battles. These included Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He also fought at Mine Run, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. For his bravery at Chancellorsville, he earned a brevet promotion to major. After Gettysburg, he received another brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel. He left the volunteer service on May 28, 1864.
Serving at Petersburg
On September 14, 1864, McLaughlen was appointed Colonel of the 57th Massachusetts Infantry. He returned to the front lines during the Siege of Petersburg. The very next day, he took command of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, IX Corps.
Leading the Brigade
He led his brigade at the Battle of Poplar Springs Church. For his actions there, he received a brevet promotion to brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. He also fought in the Battle of Boydton Plank Road. During the winter of 1864-1865, McLaughlen sometimes commanded the entire 1st Division, IX Corps.
Capture at Fort Stedman
McLaughlen returned to lead the 3rd Brigade, which was defending Fort Stedman. On March 25, 1865, Confederate General John B. Gordon launched a surprise attack. The Confederates quickly took over Fort Stedman.
A Brave but Risky Move
McLaughlen went to the front lines to gather his soldiers. He first checked Fort Haskell, another defense in his area. Thinking everything was fine, he rode to Fort Stedman. He didn't realize that Confederate soldiers now occupied it. They captured him and took him prisoner.
After Capture
Even after his capture, he received another brevet promotion. He was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Army, then to brigadier general. He was held briefly in Libby Prison until his release on April 2, 1865. He then returned to command his old brigade, which was now defending Washington, D.C. He left the volunteer service on August 10, 1865.
Life After the War
Napoleon McLaughlen continued his service in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. In 1876, he was promoted to Major of the 10th U.S. Cavalry. He retired from active duty in 1882. McLaughlen passed away in 1887 in Middletown, New York.
