Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr.
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| Born | May 10, 1831 Sackets Harbor, New York |
| Died | March 25, 1896 (aged 64) Washington, D.C. |
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1852–1895 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Chief of Engineers |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Children | Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. Edward Pearce Casey |
| Relations | Silas Casey (father) |
Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr. (born May 10, 1831 – died March 25, 1896) was a very important American engineer in the late 1800s. He was a military engineer who worked for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He became the Chief of Engineers, which is a top leadership role.
One of his most famous achievements was finishing the Washington Monument. An engineer named Richard Weingardt said Casey was the "most visible and celebrated builder" for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during his time. He built many public buildings, monuments, and other important structures.
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Casey's Family Background
Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr. came from a well-known family in Saunderstown, Rhode Island. His family had lived on Casey Farm for 200 years. Many of his relatives were important figures, including admirals, generals, engineers, and scientists.
His father, Major General Silas Casey, was a hero in the Mexican–American War. He also served as a major general during the American Civil War. Thomas's brother, Silas Casey III, became a rear admiral in the United States Navy. He even commanded the Pacific Fleet from 1901 to 1903.
Thomas Casey married Emma Weir. She was the daughter of a famous painter, Robert Walter Weir. They had two sons. His oldest son, Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr., also became an engineer in the Army. He retired as a colonel in 1912.
Early Life and Army Career
Casey was born in Sackets Harbor, New York. When he was young, President James K. Polk appointed him to the West Point. This is a famous military school. He studied there from 1848 to 1852. He was an amazing student and graduated first in his class!
After graduating, he joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He worked on building Fort Delaware and improving rivers and harbors. Later, he became an assistant professor of engineering at West Point. He taught there for several years.
When the American Civil War began, Casey was stationed at Fort Monroe. He helped with coastal defenses in Maine and recruited engineers for the war effort. He was promoted several times during this period. He became a major in 1863 and a colonel in 1865. He even served in the First Battle of Fort Fisher in 1864.
After the war, Casey continued his engineering work. He helped build more forts. In 1867, he moved to Washington, D.C., to work as an assistant to the Chief of Engineers. He spent most of the rest of his life in Washington. In 1873, France honored him with the Legion of Honor award for his engineering skills.
Casey was in charge of military engineers and fortifications. From 1877 to 1881, he led the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds in Washington, D.C. In this role, he oversaw several major projects. These included the Potomac aqueduct and the State, War and Navy Building. Most famously, he was put in charge of finishing the Washington Monument.
Finishing the Washington Monument
Casey's most famous project was completing the Washington Monument. Construction on this huge monument had stopped 24 years earlier, in 1854. There were many technical problems and issues with how the project was managed. All that stood was a 170-foot tall marble structure that was leaning! It was a big embarrassment for the country.
In 1878, Casey was chosen to finish the job. He was known for his excellent engineering skills and for being trustworthy with money. The monument's foundation was unstable. Casey came up with a clever plan to fix it. His workers carefully dug from both sides to balance the foundation. They replaced half of the old foundation, making it much deeper and wider.
More than 130 years later, in 2011, an earthquake damaged the monument. Engineers repairing it looked at Casey's original plans. They said his work was "brilliant." His careful planning helped the monument stand strong for so long.
Later Army Career and Projects
Casey served on many important boards. He advised on public works in Washington, D.C. He also supervised the building of several monuments. These included a monument over Thomas Jefferson's grave and one at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, New York. He also oversaw a monument marking Washington's birthplace.
In 1884, Casey became a full colonel. He also joined the United States Lighthouse Board, which oversees lighthouses. He supervised the construction of the Army Medical Museum and Library. He also oversaw the building of the James A. Garfield Monument.
In 1888, he was promoted to brigadier general. He was then assigned as the Chief of Engineers. As Chief, he managed large amounts of money for improving harbors and rivers. He also reorganized the department. He retired from the Army in 1895 when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 64.
Even after retiring, he continued to oversee the construction of the Thomas Jefferson Building. This building houses the Library of Congress. He died suddenly on March 25, 1896, before the building was fully completed. His son, Edward Pearce Casey, took over the project. His other son, Colonel Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr., had a long career in the Army Corps of Engineers and was also a famous entomologist (someone who studies insects).
Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr. was buried with his father and other family members at Casey Farm in Saunderstown, Rhode Island.
Memberships and Honors
Casey was elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences in 1890. This is a very high honor for scientists and engineers. He was also made an officer of the Legion of Honor of France for his work on the Washington Monument.
He was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, following in his father's footsteps. He was also a Companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Casey was a director of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society.
