William Babcock Hazen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chief Signal Officer, U.S. Army
William Babcock Hazen
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William Babcock Hazen
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| Born | September 27, 1830 West Hartford, Vermont |
| Died | January 16, 1887 (aged 56) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1887 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | XV Corps US Army Signal Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Battle of Stones River (1862) Battle of Fort McAllister (1864) |
William Babcock Hazen (born September 27, 1830 – died January 16, 1887) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the Indian Wars, fought as a general for the Union during the American Civil War, and later became the Chief Signal Officer of the U.S. Army. He is best known for bravely defending a place called "Hell's Half Acre" at the Battle of Stones River in 1862. He also captured Fort McAllister, Georgia, in December 1864. This victory helped General William Sherman take the city of Savannah during his famous March to the Sea.
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Early Life and Army Start
Hazen was born in West Hartford, Vermont. When he was three years old, his family moved to Ohio. He grew up in the town of Hiram. There, he became good friends with James A. Garfield, who later became a President.
Hazen graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1855. He became a second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Infantry. Before the Civil War, he mostly served in the Pacific Northwest and Texas. In 1859, he was badly hurt during a fight with the Comanche people along the Llano River. He was on sick leave until 1861.
Fighting in the Civil War
Soon after the war began, Hazen was promoted to captain. By October 1861, he was a Colonel leading the 41st Ohio Infantry. In 1862, he commanded a brigade in the Army of the Ohio. His first big battle was Shiloh. His army arrived on the second day of the battle, helping the Union win.
The Battle of Stones River
In late 1862, Hazen fought at the Perryville. His group then joined the XIV Corps, which was part of the Army of the Cumberland. This is where Hazen fought in his most famous battle, the Battle of Stones River, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
On December 31, 1862, Confederate forces attacked the Union army by surprise. They pushed the Union soldiers back three miles. Hazen's brigade defended a small forest known as "Round Forest." This area was very important because losing it would have meant a complete Confederate victory. Hazen's group, along with another brigade, held their ground. Other Union generals sent cannons to help them. They fought off several Confederate attacks. Their brave defense against many odds helped save the Union line. The four-acre Round Forest is now known as "Hell's Half Acre." Hazen was wounded in the shoulder during the fight. He was promoted to brigadier general for his bravery. Later, a monument was built there by veterans. It is believed to be the oldest monument on a Civil War battlefield.
Later Campaigns and Promotions
Hazen continued to serve with the Army of the Cumberland. He took part in the successful Tullahoma Campaign. He also fought in the Union defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga and the Union victory at the Battle of Chattanooga. Hazen's brigade helped open a supply route called the "Cracker Line" to the Union army in Chattanooga. He was promoted to brevet major and then brevet lieutenant colonel for his actions in these battles.
Hazen then served under General William T. Sherman. He fought in the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. He showed great courage at the Battle of Pickett's Mill. His brigade had to attack without enough support and suffered many losses.
Capturing Fort McAllister
During Sherman's March to the Sea, Hazen's division played a key role. They captured Fort McAllister, Georgia, on December 13, 1864. This action allowed Sherman's army to connect with the United States Navy. Hazen was promoted to brevet colonel and then to major general of volunteers on the same day. Near the end of the war, he commanded the XV Corps. He was promoted to brevet major general in the regular army in March 1865.
After the War
After the Civil War, the U.S. Army became smaller. Hazen became a colonel in the 38th U.S. Infantry in 1866. This was a "Buffalo Soldier" regiment. He later transferred to the 6th U.S. Infantry. He mostly served on the Western frontier. He was stationed at Fort Buford in the Dakota Territory from 1872 to 1880. He also visited Europe to observe the Franco-Prussian War.
One of Hazen's important jobs on the frontier was handling talks before the Battle of Washita River. Hazen also spoke out about corruption in the government. This led to the resignation of President Ulysses S. Grant's Secretary of War. Hazen also had disagreements with other generals about who deserved credit for Civil War victories.
Hazen also wrote books and criticized George Armstrong Custer's book Life on the Plains. Because of his strong opinions, some people found him difficult. The writer Ambrose Bierce even called him "The best hated man I ever knew."
Chief Signal Officer
On December 15, 1880, President Rutherford B. Hayes promoted Hazen to brigadier general. He was made the Chief Signal Officer of the U.S. Army. He held this job until he died. During his time, he focused on scientific research for his department.
The U.S. Army Signal Corps also managed the Weather Service at the time. Hazen publicly criticized the government for not helping a group of explorers. This group, led by Lieutenant Adolphus Greely, was stranded near the North Pole. Two rescue attempts failed, and many of the explorers died. Hazen spoke out against the Secretary of War, Robert Todd Lincoln, for not sending more help. Lincoln criticized Hazen for his public comments. Hazen was even court-martialed in 1885, but he only received a mild warning. Newspapers, however, supported Hazen against Secretary Lincoln.
Hazen married Mildred McLean, whose father owned The Washington Post. After Hazen's death, she married Admiral George Dewey.
Hazen died in Washington, D.C., after attending a party hosted by President Grover Cleveland. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The New York Times newspaper described Hazen as "aggressive and disputatious." These traits helped him in battle but made him enemies during peacetime. Hazen, Nevada, and Hazen Bay in Alaska are named in his honor.
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Mildred McLean
