Pinkney Lugenbeel facts for kids
Pinkney Lugenbeel (born November 16, 1819 – died March 18, 1886) was a dedicated officer in the United States Army. He served in several important conflicts, including the Seminole Wars, the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, and later American Indian Wars. He retired from the army as a colonel in 1880.
His Army Journey
Pinkney Lugenbeel was born in Libertytown, Maryland. In 1835, he was accepted as a cadet at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He spent five years training there. He graduated in 1840, ranking 28th in his class. Many of his classmates became famous generals later on. These included Union Army generals like William T. Sherman and George Thomas. There were also Confederate States Army generals such as Richard S. Ewell and Bushrod Johnson.
After graduating, Lugenbeel became a brevet second lieutenant in the army's Fifth Infantry Regiment. He then served in frontier areas, helping to protect new settlements.
A key moment in his career happened in 1863. Major Lugenbeel led a group of cavalry soldiers from Walla Walla, Washington. They traveled to the Boise Valley. There, he helped to rebuild Fort Boise. This fort soon became the city of Boise City.
What He Left Behind
Pinkney Lugenbeel passed away in Detroit, Michigan, in 1886. He had one child who sadly died very young.
Several places were named in his honor. Lugenbeel County, South Dakota was named after him. So was Pinkney City, Washington, which is near Colville. He also played a big part in improving and building the Fort Walla Walla–Fort Colville Military Road. This road was important for travel and trade in the region.
