Richard H. Anderson (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Heron Anderson
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| Nickname(s) | Fightin Dick |
| Born | October 7, 1821 Sumter County, South Carolina |
| Died | June 26, 1879 (aged 57) Beaufort, South Carolina |
| Place of burial |
St. Helena's Episcopal Church, Beaufort, South Carolina
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| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1842–61 (USA) 1861–65 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Captain (USA) Lieutenant General (CSA) |
| Commands held | |
| Battles/wars | |
Richard Heron Anderson (born October 7, 1821, died June 26, 1879) was an important military leader in American history. He was a brave officer in the U.S. Army and fought well in the Mexican–American War. Later, during the American Civil War, he became a Confederate general. He was known for his courage and for being humble. One of his most famous battles was the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in 1864.
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Early Life and Military Training
Richard Heron Anderson was born on October 7, 1821. His family lived at Borough House Plantation in Sumter County, South Carolina. His grandfather, also named Richard Anderson, was a hero from the American Revolutionary War.
In 1842, Anderson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Dragoons, which was a type of cavalry. He trained at the Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania.
Frontier Duty and Mexican-American War
After his training, Anderson served in the American West. He was stationed at forts in Arkansas and Indian Territory (which is now Oklahoma). He helped protect the frontier and escorted a U.S. Indian Agent.
Anderson then fought in the Mexican–American War from 1846 to 1848. He took part in important battles like the Siege of Veracruz and the Battle of Molino del Rey. He was recognized for his bravery during the fighting near San Agustin. He also helped capture Mexico City.
After the war, Anderson continued his military career. He was promoted to first lieutenant and later to captain. He served in Texas and Kansas, where he dealt with border conflicts. He also participated in the Utah War.
American Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Richard Anderson resigned from the U.S. Army in 1861. He joined the Confederate States Army. He quickly became a colonel and was put in charge of the Charleston, South Carolina harbor area. This was after the Battle of Fort Sumter.
Anderson was promoted to brigadier general in July 1861. He was sent to Pensacola, Florida, where he was injured in the arm during the Battle of Santa Rosa Island.
Rising Through the Ranks
After he recovered, Anderson joined the Confederate Army of the Potomac in 1862. This army later became the famous Army of Northern Virginia. He led a brigade of soldiers.
Anderson showed great skill during the Peninsula Campaign. At the Battle of Seven Pines, he temporarily led a larger group of soldiers called a division. His bravery in this battle earned him the nickname "Fighting Dick." He was promoted to major general in July 1862.
As part of James Longstreet's corps, Anderson fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run. His division attacked the U.S. lines, but the battle ended as night fell.
Antietam and Chancellorsville
During the Maryland Campaign in September 1862, Anderson's division played a key role at the Battle of Antietam. He was in charge of the Confederate defense at the "Bloody Lane." He was wounded in the leg during the fight and had to leave the battle. His division struggled after he left.
In May 1863, Anderson fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville. He attacked the U.S. left flank while Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson attacked the right. Anderson also helped stop a U.S. advance that could have threatened Robert E. Lee's army. After Jackson's death, Lee reorganized his army. Anderson's division became part of the new Third Corps.
Gettysburg
At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, Anderson's division arrived late on the first day. On the second day, July 2, his division attacked the U.S. center. Some of his brigades were successful, especially Ambrose R. Wright's, which briefly broke through the U.S. lines on Cemetery Ridge. However, U.S. reinforcements pushed them back.
On the third day, July 3, parts of Anderson's division took part in the final moments of Pickett's Charge. However, they were also forced to retreat.
Wilderness and Spotsylvania
In the spring of 1864, General Longstreet was badly wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness. Richard Anderson then took command of the First Corps. He led them through the difficult Overland Campaign.
Anderson's leadership was very important at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. His corps marched all night on May 7 to reach a key position just before the U.S. soldiers. This prevented the U.S. army from getting around Lee's forces. Anderson held this position during heavy fighting from May 8 to 12.
He then fought at the Battle of Cold Harbor in June. Anderson was promoted to temporary lieutenant general on May 31.
Petersburg and Appomattox
Anderson continued to lead his corps during the Siege of Petersburg and the retreat towards Appomattox Court House in 1865. When Longstreet returned from his injury in October 1864, Lee created a new Fourth Corps, which Anderson then led.
During the retreat, Anderson's corps often had to fight off U.S. cavalry attacks. This slowed them down and separated them from the main Confederate army. His corps fought its last major battle at Battle of Sayler's Creek on April 6, which ended in a defeat. The remaining soldiers of his corps were merged with another unit, leaving Anderson without a command. He then returned home to South Carolina.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Anderson tried to become a planter in Stateburg, South Carolina, from 1866 to 1868. He attempted to grow cotton, but he did not have experience in farming, and the business failed.
He then worked for the South Carolina Railroad from 1868 to 1878. He started as a worker and later became an agent. However, he was fired from this job. In 1879, he worked as a state inspector for phosphate, a type of mineral.
Richard Anderson was married twice. In 1850, he married Sarah Gibson, and they had two children. After her death, he married Martha Mellette in 1874.
Anderson died on June 26, 1879, at the age of 57. He was buried in the churchyard cemetery of Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort, South Carolina.
See also
