Robert C. Buchanan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert C. Buchanan
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| Nickname(s) | "Old Buck" |
| Born | March 1, 1811 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | November 29, 1878 (aged 67) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Rock Creek Cemetery, Petworth, Washington, D.C.
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| Allegiance |  United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1830–1870 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | District of Southern Oregon and Northern California 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, V Corps 1st U.S. Infantry Department of Louisiana Fort Porter |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War Second Seminole War Mexican War American Civil War |
Robert Christie Buchanan (born March 1, 1811 – died November 29, 1878) was an American soldier. He served as an officer in the United States Army for over 40 years. Buchanan fought in important conflicts like the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. During the Civil War, he was a colonel in the Union Army. He was recognized for his bravery in many battles.
Contents
Buchanan's Early Life and Family
Robert Buchanan was born in Baltimore, Maryland. His family had a history of military service. His grandfather, Andrew Buchanan, was a brigadier general in the Maryland Militia during the American Revolution. Robert Buchanan was also related to President John Quincy Adams. His mother's sister was First Lady Louisa Adams.
Starting a Military Career
Buchanan began his military journey at the United States Military Academy (West Point). He graduated in 1830. His first assignment was with the 4th U.S. Infantry.
He served in several early conflicts:
- The Black Hawk War, where he commanded gunboats.
- The Second Seminole War against the Seminole people.
- The removal of the Cherokee people, known as the Trail of Tears.
During his time in Florida, he was promoted to captain.
Fighting in the Mexican War
Buchanan played a role in the Mexican War. He led the Maryland Volunteers. He fought in several key battles, including:
- The Battle of Palo Alto
- The Battle of Resaca de la Palma
- The Battle of Chapultepec
- The Battle of Molino del Rey
- The capture of Mexico City
Because of his courage in these battles, he received special honors twice. After the war, he became a member of the Aztec Club of 1847. This was a group for officers who served in the Mexican War.
Serving in the West
After the Mexican War, Buchanan was stationed at different military posts. In 1853, his regiment moved to northern California. He helped establish Fort Humboldt. This fort helped keep peace between settlers, gold prospectors, and Native Americans.
In 1855, Buchanan was promoted to major. He commanded a military district that covered parts of Oregon and California. He also took part in the Rogue River Wars in Oregon.
Service During the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Buchanan was in San Francisco, California. He was ordered to the East Coast. His regiment helped defend Washington, D.C. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1861. He was given command of a brigade in the Army of the Potomac.
Key Battles and Nickname
In the summer of 1862, Buchanan showed great skill in the Seven Days Battles. He was honored twice for his service. He fought in the Peninsula Campaign, including:
He then fought in the Northern Virginia Campaign at the Second Battle of Bull Run. His soldiers gave him the nickname "Old Buck."
At the Battle of Antietam, Buchanan believed his troops could have pushed further into the enemy lines. He strongly disagreed with the decision to stop their advance.
Buchanan was appointed a brigadier general of volunteers in November 1862. However, this appointment was not confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He then returned to his rank of lieutenant colonel in the Regular Army. He continued to command soldiers at the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862.
Later, he was in charge of the defenses at Fort Delaware, which was a prisoner of war camp. He also worked as an assistant provost marshal general in New Jersey. In February 1864, he became a colonel of the 1st U.S. Infantry Regiment.
Post-War Honors
After the war, President Andrew Johnson recognized Buchanan's bravery.
- For his service at the Battle of Malvern Hill, he was nominated for brevet brigadier general in April 1866. The U.S. Senate confirmed this honor in May 1866.
- For his service at the Battle of Second Bull Run and the Battle of Fredericksburg, he was nominated for brevet major general in June 1866. The U.S. Senate confirmed this honor in July 1866.
Life After the Civil War
After the Civil War, Buchanan continued to serve as a colonel in the Regular Army. He commanded the 1st U.S. Infantry in New Orleans. His troops helped with Reconstruction efforts. He later commanded the Department of Louisiana. He also served with the Freedmen's Bureau, which helped formerly enslaved people.
Robert Buchanan retired from the Army on December 31, 1870. At that time, he was in command of Fort Porter in New York.
He passed away in Washington, D.C., on November 29, 1878. He is buried at the Rock Creek Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Grave of Buchanan at Rock Creek Cemetery
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