Peter Charles Gaillard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Charles Gaillard
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|---|---|
| 38th Mayor of Charleston | |
| In office 1865–1868 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Macbeth |
| Succeeded by | William Wallace Burns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 29, 1812 Walnut Grove Plantation Berkeley County, South Carolina |
| Died | January 11, 1889 (aged 76) |
| Spouse | Anne Lawrence Snowden Gaillard |
| Alma mater | South Carolina College (1832); United States Military Academy (West Point) (1835) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1835–38 (USA) 1861–65 (CSA) |
| Rank |  2nd Lieutenant (USA) Colonel (SC Militia) Colonel (CSA) |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Infantry |
| Commands | 17th South Carolina Militia Regiment 1st (Gaillard's) Battalion (CSA) 27th South Carolina Infantry Regiment (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | 2nd Seminole War American Civil War |
Peter Charles Gaillard was an important leader in Charleston, South Carolina. He served as the city's thirty-eighth mayor from 1865 to 1868. He was the last mayor elected before the American Civil War ended.
Gaillard also had a long military career. He fought in both the United States Army and the Confederate States Army. He passed away on January 11, 1889. He is buried at Magnolia Cemetery.
Contents
Who Was Peter Charles Gaillard?
Peter Charles Gaillard was born on December 29, 1812. His birthplace was Walnut Grove Plantation in Berkeley County, South Carolina.
He received a good education. He attended South Carolina College, graduating in 1832. Later, he went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He finished his studies there in 1835.
Early Military Service
After West Point, Gaillard joined the United States Army. He served from 1835 to 1838. During this time, he was a Second Lieutenant.
He fought in the Second Seminole War. This war was a conflict in Florida. It involved the United States Army and the Seminole people.
Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Peter Charles Gaillard joined the Confederate Army. He served as a Colonel. He commanded several units during the war.
He led the 17th South Carolina Militia Regiment. He also commanded the 1st (Gaillard's) Battalion. Later, he led the 27th South Carolina Infantry Regiment.
Gaillard participated in many important battles. These included the Battle of Secessionville and the Siege of Charleston Harbor. He also fought in the Battle of Cold Harbor.
Other battles he was part of were the Bermuda Hundred campaign and the Siege of Petersburg. He also fought in the Battle of Wilmington.
Becoming Mayor of Charleston
After the Civil War ended, Peter Charles Gaillard was elected mayor. He became the mayor of Charleston in 1865. His term lasted until 1868.
He was the last mayor chosen before the war's end. This made his time as mayor very important. He helped lead Charleston during a difficult period. The city was recovering from the war.
Later Life and Legacy
Peter Charles Gaillard died on January 11, 1889. He was 76 years old. He is buried in Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston.
He is remembered as a military officer and a mayor. He served his city and state during a time of great change.
