Richard Taylor (general) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lieutenant General Richard Taylor
Photo taken between 1860 and 1870
Born	(1826-01-27)January 27, 1826 Jefferson County, Kentucky
Died	April 12, 1879(1879-04-12) (aged 53) New York City, New York
Buried	Metairie Cemetery New Orleans, Louisiana
Allegiance	Confederate States of America
Service/branch	Confederate States Army
Years of service	1861–1865
Rank	Lieutenant General (CSA)
Commands held	9th Louisiana Infantry "Louisiana Tigers"
Battles/wars	American Civil War First Battle of Bull Run Jackson's Valley Campaign Seven Days Battles Battle of Fort Bisland Siege of Port Hudson Red River Campaign
Other work	Louisiana State Senate (1855–1861)

Richard Taylor (born January 27, 1826 – died April 12, 1879) was an American plantation owner and politician. He also became a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

Richard Taylor was born in 1826 in Kentucky. His father, Zachary Taylor, was a U.S. general who later became a U.S. president. Richard Taylor went to Yale University and graduated in 1845. After his father passed away in 1851, Richard inherited a large sugar cane farm in Louisiana.

Richard Taylor's Role in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in 1861, Richard Taylor joined the Confederate army. He became a colonel and led the 9th Louisiana Infantry. He fought in many battles in Virginia.

Rising Through the Ranks

Taylor quickly showed he was a good leader. In October 1861, he was promoted to brigadier general. By July 1862, he became a major general. After these promotions, he was put in charge of the Confederate forces in western Louisiana.

Defending Western Louisiana

As commander in western Louisiana, Taylor had an important job. He defended the area against several Union armies. These Union forces were trying to invade western Louisiana. One of the biggest fights he was involved in was the Red River Campaign in 1864.

Moving East and End of War

While in western Louisiana, Taylor often had different ideas from Edmund Kirby Smith. Smith was the main Confederate commander west of the Mississippi River. Because they disagreed so often, Taylor was moved. In April 1864, he was sent to command Confederate troops east of the Mississippi River. He led soldiers in Mississippi and Alabama until the war ended in May 1865.

Later Life and Death

After the war, Richard Taylor died on April 18, 1879, in New York City.

Images for kids

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  Manassas Junction, looking towards Bull Run and Centreville, Civil War-era drawing by Edwin Forbes