Thomas Duncan (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Duncan
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Brigadier General Thomas Duncan during the American Civil War
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| Born | April 14, 1819 Kaskaskia, Illinois |
| Died | January 7, 1887 (aged 67) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1873 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War Mexican–American War American Civil War American Indian Wars |
Thomas Duncan (born April 14, 1819 – died January 7, 1887) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served as a lieutenant colonel during the American Civil War. Later, he was recognized for his brave service and became a brevet brigadier general in 1867. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion given for special service.
Thomas Duncan's Life Story
Thomas Duncan was born in Kaskaskia, Illinois. He started his military journey very young, at just 13 years old! In 1832, he was a private in the Illinois Mounted Volunteers during the Black Hawk War.
In 1846, he became a first lieutenant in the Regiment of Mounted Rifles. He fought in the Mexican–American War, helping with the attack and surrender of Veracruz. He was promoted to captain in 1848.
Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Duncan was promoted to major in the Regular Army. He was put in charge of Fort Craig in New Mexico. He also led the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (United States) forces at the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico.
In 1862, he was hurt in a small fight in Albuquerque. For his actions there, he received the honorary rank of brevet lieutenant colonel. From 1863 to 1864, he worked as an assistant provost marshal in Iowa. A provost marshal is like a military police chief. He was later given the honorary rank of brevet colonel in 1865.
After the War
After the Civil War, Thomas Duncan stayed in the Regular Army. As a lieutenant colonel, he led a part of the 5th U.S. Cavalry starting in 1866. During this time, the famous William "Buffalo Bill" Cody worked as a scout for his regiment. Duncan later commanded the District of Nashville until 1868.
In 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated Duncan to become a brevet brigadier general. The United States Senate approved this promotion.
After his time in Nashville, Duncan was sent to the Department of the Platte. He was stationed at Fort McPherson and Fort D. A. Russell. He also oversaw the building of Sidney Barracks.
Retirement and Death
Duncan's old wound caused him problems, and he had to retire from active service in 1873.
Thomas Duncan passed away in Washington, D.C., on January 7, 1887. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many military heroes are laid to rest.
