Thomas Duncan (general)
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 U.S. Army. He served as a lieutenant colonel during the American Civil War. Later, in 1867, he was recognized for his brave service. He was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general in the regular army. This special rank was given to acknowledge his actions during the Civil War, effective from March 13, 1865.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Thomas Duncan was born in Kaskaskia, Illinois. He started his military journey very young, at just 13 years old. In 1832, he joined the Illinois Mounted Volunteers as a private. This was during the Black Hawk War, a conflict involving Native American tribes and the United States.
Serving in the Mexican-American War
On May 27, 1846, Duncan officially became a first lieutenant in the Regiment of Mounted Rifles. This was a significant step in his career. He then served in the Mexican–American War. During this war, he took part in the important capture of Veracruz. He was promoted to captain on March 12, 1848.
Civil War Service
As the American Civil War began, Duncan continued to rise through the ranks. On August 3, 1861, he became a major in the Regular Army. He was transferred to the reorganized 3rd Cavalry Regiment (United States).
Leading Troops in New Mexico
During the Civil War, Major Duncan commanded Fort Craig in New Mexico. He also led the 3rd Cavalry Regiment forces at the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico. In a small fight near Albuquerque on April 8, 1862, he was wounded. For his bravery in this event, he received the honorary rank of brevet lieutenant colonel. From April 1863 to 1864, he worked as an assistant provost marshal. This role involved military policing and maintaining order in the Department of the Northwest, District of Iowa. He was later given the honorary rank of brevet colonel, effective March 13, 1865.
Post-War Commands and Retirement
After the Civil War ended, Thomas Duncan remained in the Regular Army. As a lieutenant colonel, he took command of a part of the 5th U.S. Cavalry starting in July 1866. During this time, the famous scout William "Buffalo Bill" Cody worked with his regiment. Duncan later commanded the military district of Nashville until September 1868.
On March 1, 1867, President Andrew Johnson officially suggested Duncan for the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. The United States Senate approved this on March 2, 1867. This rank recognized his long and dedicated service.
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. However, old injuries from his wound caused ongoing health problems. Because of this, he had to retire from active military service on January 15, 1873.
Legacy and Final Resting Place
Thomas Duncan passed away in Washington, D.C., on January 7, 1887. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, a place of honor for many American military heroes.
See Also
- List of American Civil War brevet generals (Union)
