William Gates (soldier) facts for kids

William Gates (born April 6, 1788 – died October 7, 1868) was a dedicated officer in the United States Army. He joined the Army as a young cadet in 1801 and served until he was 79 years old in 1867. Gates fought in several major wars, including the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars, the Mexican War, and the American Civil War. He was even called back to duty for the Civil War when he was 73.

Early Life and Education

William Gates was born on April 6, 1788, in Gloucester, Massachusetts. His father, Captain Lemuel Gates, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. William went to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and finished school there in 1800.

A Long Military Career

Gates was one of the very first students at the United States Military Academy (West Point). He started there on March 2, 1801. He graduated on March 6, 1806, as the top student in his class. He became a second lieutenant in the Artillery.

From 1806 to 1812, he worked at forts along the East Coast. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1807.

Fighting in the War of 1812

During the War of 1812, Gates helped General Moses Porter. He was part of the capture of York (now Toronto) in Canada on April 27, 1813. He became a captain on March 3, 1813.

Gates also helped capture Fort George on May 27, 1813. From 1813 to 1815, he was in charge of Fort Independence in Massachusetts. The war ended when the Treaty of Ghent was signed in early 1815.

Serving Across the Country

After the War of 1812, Gates was stationed at Fort Niagara, New York, until 1820. He then served at various posts in New York, including Madison Barracks and Fort Columbus.

He received an honorary promotion to major on March 3, 1823. This was for his "Faithful Service Ten Years in one Grade."

His next assignments took him south. He served at Fort McHenry in Maryland and Fort Marion in Florida. He was also at Fort Moultrie near Charleston, South Carolina.

Gates became a major in the 1st Artillery Regiment on May 30, 1832. He was assigned to Fort Monroe, Virginia, and then to Charleston, South Carolina.

The Seminole War

From 1836 to 1838, Gates fought in the Seminole Wars in Florida. He defended Fort Barnwell against the Seminole Indians on April 12, 1836.

He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on December 17, 1836.

Gates was involved in the capture of Seminole leader Osceola on October 21, 1837. This happened at Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida. Osceola was later sent to Fort Moultrie, where he died. Gates also fought in the battle of Locha-Hatchee on January 24, 1838. He returned to Florida and served at Fort Pickens until 1842.

The War with Mexico

Gates served at Fort Moultrie and in Savannah, Georgia, before returning to Fort Moultrie. He was promoted to colonel on October 13, 1845. This made him one of the highest-ranking officers in the Army.

He served in the War with Mexico from 1846 to 1848. During this time, he was the Governor of Tampico, Mexico. After the war, he commanded Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island.

The SS San Francisco Incident

In late 1853, Gates and his regiment were ordered to California. He was on the ship SS San Francisco with many soldiers and their families. The ship was badly damaged in a storm on December 24, 1853.

After this event, Gates was not given active assignments for several years. He remained on "waiting orders" from 1854 until 1861.

Service During the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in April 1861, the Union Army needed all its experienced officers. Gates was 73 years old, but he was called back to duty. In December 1861, he took command of Fort Trumbull in New London, Connecticut.

He officially retired from the Army on June 1, 1863, after serving for more than 45 years. However, because of the war, he continued to command Fort Trumbull. In March 1864, he was moved to Fort Constitution in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He stayed there until his full retirement in 1867, after 66 years of military service.

After the Civil War, Gates received an honorary promotion to brigadier general. This was for his "Long and Faithful Service in the Army."

Later Life and Death

General Gates passed away in New York City on October 7, 1868. He was 80 years old. He is buried in the Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.