Robert Allen (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Allen
|
|
|---|---|
Robert Allen
|
|
| Born | March 15, 1811 West Point, Ohio |
| Died | August 5, 1886 (aged 75) Switzerland |
| Place of burial |
Chène-Bougeries Cemetery
Geneva, Switzerland |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1836–1878 |
| Rank |  Brigadier GeneralBrevet Major General |
| Unit | 2nd U.S. Artillery Quartermaster Corps |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Robert Allen (born March 15, 1811 – died August 5, 1886) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general during the American Civil War. He was known for his amazing skills in managing supplies for the army.
Contents
Becoming a Soldier: Robert Allen's Early Life and Career
Robert Allen was born in a small town called West Point, Ohio. He went to public schools and then got a special chance to attend the United States Military Academy. This famous school is where many army leaders are trained.
He finished his studies in 1836. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Artillery. His first jobs involved guarding different army posts.
First Battles: The Mexican-American War
Robert Allen saw his first real fighting during the Mexican–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Mexico. For his brave actions in the Battle of Cerro Gordo, he was promoted to major.
Later, he moved to a different part of the army called the Quartermaster's Department. This department is in charge of getting supplies like food, clothes, and equipment to soldiers. He became the main quartermaster in California, which was a very important job.
Robert Allen's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Robert Allen was given a big new job. He became the chief quartermaster for the army in the Department of the Missouri. This meant he was in charge of all the supplies for a huge area.
People quickly noticed how good he was at his job. He was very efficient, meaning he could get things done well and quickly. Soon, he was put in charge of all supplies for the entire Mississippi Valley.
Supplying the Union Army
From his main office in Louisville, Kentucky, Allen made sure that all the Union armies in the region had what they needed. He helped supply soldiers during major battles like the Vicksburg and Atlanta. These were very important campaigns in the war.
He even found a clever way to get extra train cars from different railroads in the North. He arranged for these cars to be moved across the Ohio River and used to carry food and supplies. This helped the army move things quickly along old Confederate train tracks.
_(14576061580).jpg)
Because of his excellent work, he was promoted to brigadier general. He then took charge of all quartermaster operations west of the Mississippi River. Only Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs had more responsibility than Allen.
His amazing ability to manage supplies on a large scale was a huge help. It meant that the Union armies in his area were much better fed and equipped than the Confederate soldiers. This made a big difference in the war.
Later Promotions
After the war, in 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored Robert Allen. He was given the special rank of brevet major general. This was a way to recognize his important service during the war.
Life After the War and Legacy
After the Civil War, Robert Allen continued to serve in the Regular Army. He retired on March 21, 1878. By the end of his long career, he had managed about $111 million in supplies. This shows how important his role was in supporting the army.
Robert Allen passed away while traveling in Europe. He was buried in Switzerland, in a cemetery called Chène-Bougeries in Geneva. His work as a quartermaster was vital to the success of the Union Army.
