Sylvester G. Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sylvester Gardner Hill
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Col. Sylvester G. Hill
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| Born | June 10, 1820 North Kingstown, Rhode Island |
| Died | December 15, 1864 (aged 44) Nashville, Tennessee |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, XVI Corps 35th Iowa Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Sylvester Gardner Hill was an important officer, a colonel, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade during big battles like the Red River Campaign and the Battle of Nashville. Sadly, he was killed in action during the Battle of Nashville. After he died, he was given a special honor called a brevet brigadier general rank. This means he was recognized for his bravery and leadership.
Early Life and Adventures
Sylvester Hill was born on June 10, 1820, in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. When he was about 20 years old, in 1840, he moved to Ohio. He lived in Cincinnati and worked in the lumber business, which involves cutting and selling wood.
In 1849, Sylvester decided to join the exciting California Gold Rush. Many people went to California hoping to find gold and get rich. However, Sylvester was not lucky and did not find any gold. After his adventure, he traveled back east and settled down in Muscatine, Iowa.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Sylvester Hill was living in Iowa. He quickly decided to help his country. He played a big part in forming a group of soldiers called the 35th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Because of his leadership, he was made a Colonel of this regiment on September 18, 1862.
For the first few months, the 35th Iowa Regiment was stationed in Illinois and Kentucky. Their job was to guard important places. Later, they were sent to join the Army of the Tennessee to help in the Siege of Vicksburg. A siege is when an army surrounds a city or fort to try and capture it.
After the Siege of Vicksburg, Colonel Hill was given an even bigger job. He took command of the 3rd Brigade, which was part of the 1st Division of the XVI Corps. He kept this important leadership role for most of the rest of the war.
Colonel Hill was a brave leader and was wounded twice in 1864. He was injured at the Battle of Pleasant Hill and again at the Battle of Yellow Bayou. Even after being wounded, he returned to lead his regiment at the Battle of Tupelo. He was back in command of the 3rd Brigade during Price's Missouri Raid.
The Battle of Nashville
Colonel Hill's last battle was in December 1864, during the Battle of Nashville. This was a very important fight. On the first day of the battle, Colonel Hill bravely led his brigade against the Confederate soldiers on a place called Montgomery Hill.
During this intense fighting, he was hit by artillery fire from a Confederate fort called Redoubt No. 2. He was killed instantly. For his brave service and sacrifice at Nashville, he was given a special honor after his death. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general. This was a way to recognize his courage and dedication to his country.
