William H. Warner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Warner
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| Born | 8 May 1812 Columbia County, New York |
| Died | 26 September 1849 (aged 37) Northeastern California |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1836–1849 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant Brevet Captain |
| Unit | Corps of Topographical Engineers |
| Battles/wars | Second Seminole War Mexican–American War |
William Horace Warner (born May 8, 1812 – died September 26, 1849) was an officer in the United States Army. He was part of a special group called the Corps of Topographical Engineers. This group focused on exploring and mapping new lands.
In 1849, Warner led an Army team to explore and map new areas. They traveled north from Sacramento through northeastern California and into south-central Oregon. Sadly, Warner was killed by Native Americans in northeastern California, close to the Oregon border.
Many places in southern Oregon were named after him in the mid-1800s. Today, the Warner Mountains, Warner Valley, and other landmarks still carry his name.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
William Warner was born on May 8, 1812, in Columbia County, New York. He went to the West Point military school. He started there in July 1831 and finished on July 1, 1836. Warner was a very good student, graduating tenth in his class of 49 cadets.
After graduating, he became a second lieutenant. He was first assigned to the United States Army's 1st Regiment of Artillery.
Serving in Wars and Surveys
As a second lieutenant, Warner fought in the Second Seminole War from 1836 to 1838. After that, he helped move the Cherokee Nation to new lands in the west. On July 7, 1838, Warner joined the Corps of Topographic Engineers. He kept his rank as second lieutenant.
As a topographic engineer, Warner worked on many important projects. He was in charge of improving the harbor at New Bedford, Massachusetts. He also surveyed Sackets Harbor in New York. Later, he went back to Florida to help in the war against the Seminole people. In 1840, he surveyed the Detroit River in Michigan.
On September 1, 1841, he was promoted to first lieutenant. After this, Warner explored areas around New Orleans in Louisiana. He then surveyed Lake Michigan and suggested ways to improve its harbors. This work lasted until 1843. Warner also surveyed the Ohio River near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mexican-American War Service
Warner played an active role in the Mexican–American War. He was part of Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny's expedition to California. On December 6, 1846, Warner fought in the Battle of San Pasqual. He was wounded during this battle.
After the battle, he was recognized for his bravery. He was given a special promotion to Brevet Captain. This meant he could use the title of Captain, even though his official rank was still First Lieutenant.
California Explorations
From 1847 to 1849, Captain Warner worked on mapping projects in California. In May 1847, he surveyed Alcatraz Island. His work was the first detailed map of the island. In May 1848, Warner began mapping the military area at the Presidio in San Francisco. Later in 1848, Warner helped survey the town site of Sacramento. He worked with Lieutenant William T. Sherman on this project.
Business and Legal Involvement
In October 1848, Warner, Lieutenant Sherman, Colonel Richard B. Mason, and a civilian named Norman S. Bestor started a business together. They each put in $500 to open a general store. Their plan was to sell supplies to miners in Coloma, California.
In January 1849, Warner was part of the first criminal trial in Sacramento County, California under United States law. He attended the meeting where a judge and prosecutor were chosen for the trial. A few days later, Warner was selected to be on the jury. The trial ended with a deadlocked jury, and the person on trial was released.
1849 Expedition and Tragic End
In early 1849, Colonel Mason asked Captain Warner to lead a survey team. Their mission was to travel up the Sacramento River and explore the Pit River area in northeastern California. The main goal was to find mountain passes that could be used for a future east-west railroad. Warner also looked for a good place to build an army post in northeastern California. Second Lieutenant Robert S. Williamson, another West Point engineer, was Warner's second-in-command.
Journey into Uncharted Territory
Warner and his team started their journey in August 1849. The rugged mountains and difficult land slowed their progress. When they reached the Goose Lake Valley, Warner decided to split the team into two groups. This would allow them to explore more ground. Warner told Williamson to stay in the Goose Lake Valley. Warner then took a smaller group to explore north and east of the valley.
Warner first headed north to Abert Lake. He then followed Captain John C. Fremont’s path east into what is now the Warner Valley. He entered the valley near Mugwump Lake and traveled south along its western side. Warner and his men left the valley at its southern end, heading towards the Oregon–California border.
The Attack
On September 26, 1849, Warner's group was attacked by Native Americans. This happened just south of the Oregon–California border. Survivors said that Warner was killed right away, hit by many arrows. The expedition's guide, Francois Bercier, was also killed. Two other members of the group were wounded.
The exact spot of the attack is not known for sure. However, Lieutenant Williamson's map shows the location about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the Oregon border near Eightmile Creek. In 1850, an army team tried to find Warner's body, but they were not successful.
Lasting Legacy
In the summer of 1864, Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Drew led a large scouting patrol. They traveled east from Fort Klamath to explore southeastern Oregon. His patrol eventually reached the Goose Lake Valley and crossed what are now the Warner Mountains. When he entered the next valley, he named it Warner Valley. He did this to honor Captain Warner, who he believed had been killed there.
Places Named After Warner
In the 1860s, two United States Army posts in south-central Oregon were named after Warner. Both were called Camp Warner. The first one, "Old Camp Warner," was on the east side of Hart Mountain. After a tough winter, the army moved the post to a new spot near Honey Creek. This new place, on the west side of the Warner Valley, became known simply as "Camp Warner." The army left Camp Warner in September 1874. From 1889 to 1924, there was also a post office near Adel, Oregon, named after Warner.
Today, many natural features are named in honor of William Warner. The biggest is the Warner Mountains. This mountain range crosses the Oregon–California border. The South Warner Wilderness, which covers over 70,000 acres (283 km2), is named for this mountain range. Other places in south-central Oregon named after Warner include Warner Valley, Warner Lakes, Warner Canyon, Warner Rim, and the over 8,000-foot (2,400 m) tall Warner Peak. Warner Peak is the highest point on Hart Mountain.
In 1923, a lake freighter ship was launched and named William H. Warner.
