Patrick Edward Connor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Edward Connor
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General Patrick Edward Connor
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| Born | March 17, 1820 County Kerry, Ireland |
| Died | December 17, 1891 (aged 71) Salt Lake City, Utah, US |
| Place of burial |
Fort Douglas Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
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| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1839–1844; 1846–1847; 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general Brevet major general |
| Commands held | 8th Rifle Company, Independent Companies of Texas Volunteers 3rd California Infantry Regiment District of Utah District of the Plains |
| Battles/wars | |
| Other work | California State Ranger |
Patrick Edward Connor (born March 17, 1820 – died December 17, 1891) was an Irish American soldier. He became a Union general during the American Civil War. He is known for his role in military actions against Native American groups during the American Indian Wars in the American Old West.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Patrick Edward Connor was born in County Kerry, Ireland, on St. Patrick's Day in 1820. He moved to the United States and joined the United States Army in 1839. He served as a soldier in the Seminole Wars. He was also a dragoon, a type of soldier who rode horses, at several forts. These included Fort Leavenworth and Fort Atkinson. He left the army in 1844. After two years in New York, he moved to Texas. He became a U.S. citizen in 1845.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
In May 1846, Connor joined the Texas Volunteers. He served as a first lieutenant during the Mexican–American War. His company was part of General John E. Wool's army. This army planned to invade Mexico.
Connor's company fought in the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847. He was a captain by then. His company saw heavy fighting, and Connor was wounded in his hand. He left the army in May 1847 due to rheumatism, a condition causing pain in joints and muscles.
When the California Gold Rush began, he traveled across Mexico. He arrived in California in January 1850.
California Rangers
In California, Connor became involved in law enforcement. In 1853, he joined the California Rangers. This group was led by Harry S. Love. The Rangers hunted down and captured members of the "Five Joaquins Gang". This gang was led by the outlaw Joaquin Murrieta. Connor and the other Rangers were rewarded by the state. The group was later disbanded.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War started, Connor was leading a unit called the "Stockton Blues" in California. He expanded this unit into the 3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was sent to the Utah Territory. Their job was to protect travel routes from Native Americans. They also had to prevent a possible uprising by Mormon settlers.
Commander in Utah
In Utah, Connor became the commander of the District of Utah in August 1862. He set up Camp Douglas near Salt Lake City in October. Connor and his men wanted to fight in the main battles in Virginia. He even offered to use his regiment's pay to ship them east.
However, General Henry Halleck suggested Connor explore the Salt Lake City area. Connor built Fort Douglas in a strong position overlooking the city. This was done despite the wishes of the Mormon leaders. Local officials and Colonel Connor worked to keep federal troops at Fort Douglas.
In October 1863, Connor and Governor James Duane Doty signed peace treaties. These treaties ended conflicts with Native American tribes in the Utah Territory. Soon after, soldiers at Fort Douglas started the first daily Utah newspaper. It was called The Union Vedette. This newspaper offered different news from the local church-owned paper.
Connor also helped non-Mormons and those who wanted to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found valuable minerals in Utah. This led to more non-Mormons moving into the area. This slowly reduced the power of the church in daily life. Connor's military reports were published in 1897. They are part of The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records.
Connor remained in charge of the District of Utah until March 1865. Then, it became part of the larger District of the Plains. Connor was named commander of this new district.
Key Military Actions
Bear River Conflict
In the early 1860s, more settlers moved into the Washington Territory. This led to conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. After an attack on miners, Connor marched his soldiers 140 miles in winter.
On January 29, 1863, Connor's troops found a Shoshone camp along the Bear River. Connor's militia attacked the camp. They pretended to retreat, then surrounded the camp and attacked again.
Connor sent more troops to block an escape route. Other soldiers moved to a ridge and fired down on the Native Americans. Soldiers also shot at those trying to escape by swimming the cold river. Most of the Native Americans in the camp were killed. About 160 women and children were released and given food.
Connor stated that the Shoshone had been supplied by Mormons. He said his troops captured wheat and war supplies. According to Connor, a survivor said the group planned to attack the town of Franklin. Other historical accounts, like Brigham Madsen's book The Northern Shosoni, offer a different perspective.
Powder River Expedition
After the Bear River conflict, Connor was promoted to brigadier general. From July to September 1865, he led the Powder River Expedition. This mission was against Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native Americans. These groups were attacking travelers on the Bozeman Trail.
Connor's 2,600 men were divided into three groups. They traveled hundreds of miles across what is now Montana and Wyoming. Connor's initial orders were to attack and kill all male Native Americans over 12. However, his superiors quickly canceled this order.
The soldiers faced constant harassment from Native Americans. They avoided large battles. Connor established Fort Connor, later called Fort Reno. He also destroyed an Arapaho village at the Battle of the Tongue River. His Pawnee scouts also ambushed and killed 24 Cheyenne warriors.
Often, Connor's units were on the defensive. They had to fight off raids on their horses and supplies. Many soldiers ended up on foot and had to eat raw horse meat. Overall, the expedition was not very successful. Many troops were eager to go home after the Civil War ended.
Later Life
After the Civil War, Connor was given the honorary rank of brevet major general. He left the volunteer army in 1866. He continued to command troops on the frontier. He even recruited former Confederate soldiers to fight against Native Americans.
Connor made his home in Salt Lake City. He started one of the city's first newspapers. He also became involved in mining again. He founded a city in Utah and named it Stockton. This was in honor of his California militia unit.
Patrick Edward Connor died in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, in 1891. He was 71 years old and was buried there.
See also
In Spanish: Patrick Edward Connor para niños
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
- Red Cloud's War
- Statue of Patrick Edward Connor
