Robert S. Granger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Seaman Granger
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Robert S. Granger
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| Born | May 24, 1816 Zanesville, Ohio |
| Died | April 25, 1894 (aged 77) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Woodlawn Cemetery, Zanesville, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1838–1873 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 11th Infantry Regiment 21th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Seaman Granger (born May 24, 1816 – died April 25, 1894) was a skilled officer in the United States Army. He spent his entire career serving his country. During the American Civil War, he became a high-ranking general for the Union Army.
Contents
Robert Granger's Early Life and Military Training
Robert Seaman Granger was born in Zanesville, Ohio. He grew up there before starting his military journey.
Becoming an Officer
In 1838, Robert Granger graduated from the United States Military Academy. This is a famous school where future army officers are trained. He was a good student, ranking 28th in his class.
After West Point, he became a first lieutenant in the infantry in 1839. He served as an officer during the Second Seminole War. This was a conflict in Florida. Later, he helped teach tactics at West Point from 1843 to 1844.
Service in the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War, Granger was promoted to captain. This happened on September 8, 1847. After the war, he worked at different army posts. Many of these were on the Texas frontier.
Robert Granger's Role in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, Texas left the Union. Granger was captured there with his unit on April 27.
Parole and New Assignments
He was released on parole. This meant he promised not to fight in the field until August 1862. During this time, he was promoted to major. He also helped organize a group of soldiers called an infantry brigade in Ohio. He then became the leader of troops in Louisville, Kentucky.
Leading Troops in Battle
After his parole ended, Granger became a brigadier general in September 1862. He led Kentucky state troops. He fought in several smaller battles. These included Shepherdsville, Lebanon Junction, and Lawrenceburg. For his actions, he was given the honorary rank of colonel in the Regular Army.
In October 1862, he officially became a brigadier general for the U.S. volunteers. He then commanded a large group of soldiers called a division.
Important Commands and Defenses
In 1863, Granger took on administrative duties. He commanded military districts in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In early 1864, he managed defenses and supply depots in Nashville.
He was then put in charge of Northern Alabama. Here, he helped capture a Confederate camp. He also helped push back Confederate generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest.
In October 1864, he bravely defended Decatur, Alabama. He protected the city from John B. Hood's army. He even led a surprise attack on the Confederate siege works. For these actions, he received another honorary rank. He became a brigadier general in the Regular Army.
After the War
In 1865, Granger commanded forces in northern Alabama during the occupation. For his excellent service during the war, he received the honorary rank of major general in the Regular Army. He was also promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1865 and colonel in August 1871.
Robert Seaman Granger retired from the army on January 1, 1873. He died in Washington, D.C.
