William J. Worth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William J. Worth
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General William Jenkins Worth by Mathew Brady
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| Birth name | William Jenkins Worth |
| Born | March 1, 1794 Hudson, New York |
| Died | May 7, 1849 (aged 55) San Antonio, Texas |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1813–1849 |
| Rank | Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 8th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
~ Battle of Fort George ~ Battle of Monterrey |
William Jenkins Worth (born March 1, 1794 – died May 7, 1849) was an important American military officer. He served in three major conflicts: the War of 1812, the Second Seminole War, and the Mexican–American War. He was known for his bravery and leadership.
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Worth's Early Military Career
William Worth started his military journey in March 1813 as a first lieutenant. He worked closely with General Winfield Scott during the War of 1812. They became good friends, and Worth even named his son after Scott.
Worth showed great courage in battles like Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. During the Battle of Lundy's Lane, he was badly hurt in his leg. Doctors thought he might not survive, but he recovered after a year. He was promoted to the rank of Major, though his injury made him limp for the rest of his life.
After the war, Worth became the leader of the cadets at West Point. This is a famous military school. He later became a Colonel in 1838. He was put in charge of the new Eighth Infantry Regiment.
Fighting in the Seminole War
Worth used his own smart tactics to fight in the Second Seminole War in Florida. This war was against the Seminole people. His success led to him being promoted to brigadier general in 1842. He helped end the war by allowing the remaining Seminole people to live in a special area in southwest Florida. He officially declared the war over in August 1842.
Worth in the Mexican–American War
When the Mexican–American War started, Worth was serving in Texas under General Zachary Taylor. He helped negotiate the surrender of the Mexican city of Matamoros.
He then led the 2nd Regular Division at the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846. For his actions there, he was promoted again to major general. In 1847, Worth joined his old friend Winfield Scott's army and led the 1st Division.
Worth played a key role in several important battles. These included the Siege of Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, and Churubusco. In Mexico City, General Scott ordered Worth to attack the Mexican defenses at Molino del Rey. Worth wanted to change the attack plan, but Scott refused. This battle caused many casualties for Worth's division, which upset him greatly. Because of this disagreement, Worth even changed his son's name from Winfield Scott back to William.
Worth then led his division to capture the San Cosme Gate in Mexico City. When U.S. forces entered the city, Worth himself climbed to the top of the National Palace. He took down the Mexican flag and raised the Stars and Stripes. For his bravery at the Battle of Chapultepec, the United States Congress gave him a special sword of honor.
Later Life and Death
In 1848, Worth was approached by a group from Cuba. They wanted him to lead an invasion to overthrow the Spanish government there. Worth agreed to the idea. However, before the plan could happen, he was moved by the War Department to Texas.
Worth was in charge of the Department of Texas when he died in 1849. He passed away from a disease called cholera in San Antonio.
Worth Square Monument
Worth's body was later moved to a large, tall granite monument. This monument is 51 feet high and stands in Worth Square in New York City. It is located on a traffic island between Fifth Avenue and Broadway in Manhattan.
The Worth Monument is the second oldest monument in New York. It was designed by James G. Batterson in 1857. The monument has bands with the names of battles where Worth fought. There is also a bronze statue of Worth on horseback. The fence around the memorial has spikes topped with plumed helmets, like the one Worth wore.
Worth's Legacy
Many places are named in honor of William Jenkins Worth. These include:
- The cities of Fort Worth and Lake Worth in Texas.
- The villages of Worth in Illinois and Worthville in Kentucky.
- Counties named Worth in Georgia, Missouri, and Iowa.
- The city of Lake Worth Beach in Florida.
- The famous Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida.
Images for kids
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Monument on Worth Square
See also
In Spanish: William Jenkins Worth para niños
