Thomas M. Wagner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas M. Wagner
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Thomas M. Wagner's tomb at St Michael's Episcopal Churchyard, Charleston (the white column)
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| Born | ca. 1824 Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina |
| Died | July 17, 1862 Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1862 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held |  1st South Carolina Artillery |
Thomas M. Wagner (born around 1824 – died July 17, 1862) was an important officer in the Confederate Army. He served as a lieutenant colonel during the American Civil War. Sadly, he died when a cannon accidentally exploded while he was inspecting it at Fort Moultrie.
After his death, a main fort on Morris Island was named after him. This fort, called Fort Wagner, became famous for two big battles during the Civil War.
Contents
Who Was Thomas M. Wagner?
Thomas M. Wagner was born in Charleston, South Carolina, around 1824. Before the Civil War began, he was a well-known person in his home state. He worked in politics and business.
Early Life and Career
Before joining the army, Wagner was a South Carolina state senator. This meant he helped make laws for South Carolina. He also worked as an executive for the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. This was a very important job, helping to manage trains and transportation.
His Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, Thomas Wagner joined the Confederate Army. He quickly became a lieutenant colonel. This rank is a high-level officer who commands many soldiers. He was part of the 1st South Carolina Artillery unit.
He was stationed at Fort Moultrie, a key defense point in Charleston, South Carolina. Fort Moultrie was very important for protecting the city's harbor.
How He Died
On July 17, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Wagner was inspecting a cannon at Fort Moultrie. During this inspection, the cannon unexpectedly exploded. He was killed in this tragic accident.
Fort Wagner's Name
After his death, a major fort on Morris Island was named in his honor. This fort became known as Fort Wagner. Morris Island is a small island near Charleston, South Carolina.
Fort Wagner became famous for two major battles during the Civil War. These were the First Battle of Fort Wagner and the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. These battles were very important for control of Charleston Harbor.
