Oscar Hugh La Grange facts for kids

Oscar Hugh La Grange (born April 3, 1837 – died January 5, 1915) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a colonel and later received a special honor, becoming a brigadier general in 1866.

Early Life and Beliefs

Oscar Hugh La Grange was born on April 3, 1837. His birthplace was Fulton, Oswego County, New York. In 1845, when he was eight years old, his family moved. They settled in Ripon, Wisconsin.

He went to college at Ripon College. He also studied at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

La Grange strongly believed that slavery was wrong. He became an active abolitionist. This meant he worked to end slavery in the United States. He even took part in conflicts in Bleeding Kansas. He also helped a man named Sherman Booth get out of jail. Booth had been arrested for helping an enslaved person escape.

After his time in the military, La Grange took on a new job. He became the superintendent of the San Francisco Mint. This was a place where money was made.

Oscar La Grange passed away on January 5, 1915. He died from pneumonia in New York City.

Military Service in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in 1861, La Grange joined the Army. He was first assigned to the 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment. Later that same year, he moved to the 1st Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.

In 1863, La Grange became a leader of a brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. His brigade was part of the Army of the Cumberland. This army was led by William Rosecrans. La Grange and his soldiers fought in the Battle of Chickamauga.

In 1864, he was fighting in the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge. During this battle, he was captured by enemy forces. He was held prisoner for three months.

After being exchanged, La Grange returned to action. He and his brigade played a very important role. They helped win the Battle of West Point. After this victory, La Grange's soldiers moved east. They headed towards LaGrange, Georgia.

In LaGrange, Georgia, they met a group of armed women. These women called themselves the Nancy Harts. Colonel La Grange spoke with them. He promised them that his soldiers would not destroy private property. After his promise, the women agreed to step aside and put down their weapons.

La Grange officially left the volunteer army on July 19, 1865. On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored La Grange. He nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general. This was a special honorary rank. The United States Senate approved this honor on March 12, 1866.