Philip St. George Cooke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philip St. George Cooke
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | June 13, 1809 Leesburg, Virginia |
| Died | March 20, 1895 (aged 85) Detroit, Michigan |
| Place of burial |
Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1827–1873 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | Mormon Battalion 2nd Cavalry Regiment Department of the Platte |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War Bleeding Kansas |
Philip St. George Cooke (born June 13, 1809 – died March 20, 1895) was an important officer in the United States Army. He was a cavalry (horseback soldier) expert. Cooke served as a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He wrote a famous book about how cavalry should fight. Because of this, some people called him the "Father of the U.S. Cavalry." Even though he was a key figure, his son-in-law, J.E.B. Stuart, became a very famous general for the Confederate States Army. This made Stuart's actions seem more important during the war.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Becoming an Officer
Philip St. George Cooke was born in Leesburg, Virginia, on June 13, 1809. He studied at the United States Military Academy (West Point) and finished in 1827. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the infantry. He worked at many army bases in the western parts of America. He also fought in the Black Hawk War. In 1833, he became a first lieutenant in the new 1st U.S. Dragoons.
Exploring the West
Cooke went on many trips to explore the Far West with the Dragoons. As a Captain, he led 200 Dragoons. He stopped a group of about 100 men from the Republic of Texas. These men were trying to stop trade along the Santa Fe Trail. This event was called the Second Texas Santa Fe Expedition.
During the Mexican–American War, Cooke led the Mormon Battalion from Santa Fe to California. They created a path known as Cooke's Wagon Road. This road later became a popular route for people heading to California during the California Gold Rush. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel for his work in California.
Fighting on the Frontier
In 1854, Cooke led the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. They defeated the Jicarilla Apache in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. In 1855, he fought against the Sioux in the Battle of Ash Hollow. He was also sent to help keep peace in Bleeding Kansas from 1856 to 1857. Cooke knew Brigham Young and took part in the Utah War from 1857 to 1858. After this, he became a colonel and was put in charge of the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. He also observed the Crimean War for the U.S. Army. From 1860 to 1861, he commanded the Department of Utah.
Family Divided by War
The idea of states leaving the Union (secession) caused a big split in Cooke's family. Philip St. George Cooke stayed loyal to the Union. However, his son, John Rogers Cooke, became a Confederate general. His son-in-law, J.E.B. Stuart, became a very famous Confederate cavalry leader. Cooke and Stuart never spoke to each other again after the war began.
Civil War Service
Cavalry Tactics and New Ideas
At the start of the American Civil War, the U.S. Army had five groups of horseback soldiers. Cooke was in charge of the 2nd Dragoons, which was renamed the 2nd U.S. Cavalry. Cooke wrote a two-volume book on cavalry tactics in 1858, but it was published in 1862. This book was debated at the time. Cooke believed that cavalry should mostly attack on horseback. Others thought that new rifles made horseback charges too dangerous. They felt cavalry should focus on scouting and protecting other troops.
Leading Union Cavalry
Cooke became a brigadier general in the U.S. Army on November 21, 1861. President Abraham Lincoln officially nominated him for this role. For the Peninsula Campaign, General George B. McClellan chose Cooke to lead the Cavalry Reserve. This was a large group of cavalry in the Army of the Potomac.
When Confederate forces left Yorktown, Cooke and Major General George Stoneman chased them. Cooke's cavalry faced tough fighting at Fort Magruder. He also saw action at the battles of Williamsburg, Gaines' Mill, and White Oak Swamp. At Gaines' Mill, during the Seven Days Battles, Cooke ordered a charge that caused heavy losses for the 5th U.S. Cavalry.
After Field Service
After the Peninsula Campaign, Cooke stopped serving in active battles. One reason was the embarrassment he felt when his son-in-law, J.E.B. Stuart, rode all the way around the Union Army. This was a famous Confederate raid. Cooke then served on military courts. He also commanded the District of Baton Rouge and helped with army recruiting. On July 17, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Cooke to become a major general in the regular army.
Later Life and Legacy
Post-War Commands
After the Civil War, Cooke continued to serve the army. He commanded the Department of the Platte from 1866 to 1867. He also led the Department of the Cumberland from 1869 to 1870, and the Department of the Lakes. He retired from the Army on October 29, 1873, after almost 50 years of service. He retired as a brigadier general.
Writing and Death
Cooke wrote several books about his time in the army. These include Notes of a Military Reconnaissance (1848), Scenes and Adventures in the Army (1857), Cavalry Tactics (1862), Handy Book for United States Cavalry (1863), and The Conquest of New Mexico and California (1878).
Philip St. George Cooke died in Detroit, Michigan, and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery there.
Places Named After Cooke
Several military places were named in honor of Philip St. George Cooke:
- Camp Cooke (1866–1870) was the first military base in the Montana Territory. It was named for him when he commanded the Department of the Platte.
- Camp Cooke (1941–1953) was a military base near Lompoc, California. It was later renamed Cooke Air Force Base (1957–1958) and then Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1958. Both Camp Cooke and Cooke Air Force Base in California were named to honor Philip St. George Cooke.
