Sidney Burbank facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sidney Burbank
Born	October 1807 Lexington, Massachusetts
Died	December 7, 1882 (aged 74–75) Newport, Kentucky
Place of burial	Spring Grove Cemetery Cincinnati, Ohio
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1829 – 1870
Rank	Colonel Brevet Brigadier General
Commands held	13th Infantry Regiment 2nd Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars	Second Seminole War American Civil War

Sidney Burbank (born October 1807, died December 7, 1882) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served for many years, including during the exciting and challenging time of the American Civil War. He even led a group of soldiers called a brigade in a famous army known as the Army of the Potomac.

Early Life and Army Start

Sidney Burbank was born in October 1807 in Lexington, Massachusetts. His father, Sullivan Burbank, was also an officer in the U.S. Army. Sidney followed in his father's footsteps.

Becoming an Officer

Sidney Burbank went to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. This is a special school where people learn to become army officers. He graduated in 1829, doing very well in his class.

After West Point, Burbank joined the 1st Infantry Regiment. He served in different conflicts, including the Seminole War against Native American tribes. In 1849, when he was a captain, he helped set up Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Sidney Burbank was ready to serve. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 13th Infantry Regiment in May 1861. Later, in September 1862, he became a colonel and took command of the 2nd Infantry Regiment.

Joining the Army of the Potomac

In 1863, Colonel Burbank joined the Army of the Potomac. This was one of the main Union armies fighting in the war. He became a leader of a brigade (a large group of soldiers) in the V Corps.

Battles and Challenges

Burbank's brigade fought bravely in major battles:

• The Battle of Chancellorsville: Here, his brigade was made up of regular army soldiers.
• The Battle of Gettysburg: This was a very important battle. On July 2, 1863, Burbank's brigade faced a tough attack in an area called the Wheatfield. They lost many soldiers, with 447 casualties.

After these battles, Burbank's brigade joined with another group of soldiers. He continued to lead them in other campaigns, like the Bristoe Campaign and the Mine Run Campaign.

Later Years and Retirement

After the intense fighting, Colonel Burbank's health started to decline. His eyesight was getting worse. Because of this, he left the main fighting army for less demanding jobs.

He commanded a draft center in Columbus, Ohio, and later the headquarters of the 2nd Infantry in Kentucky. He also oversaw the Newport Barracks in Kentucky until the war ended.

Becoming a General

Even with his health issues, President Andrew Johnson recognized Burbank's service. In 1866, Burbank was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This meant he had the rank of a general, even though he didn't command a general's full responsibilities.

General Burbank continued to serve, helping to rebuild his regiment. He retired from the army in May 1870. He lived in Newport, Kentucky, until he passed away on December 7, 1882. He is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Sadly, Burbank's son, Captain Sullivan Wayne Burbank, also died serving his country. He passed away from wounds he received in the Battle of the Wilderness.