William Ludlow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Ludlow
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Brigadier General William Ludlow, c. 1898
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| Born | November 27, 1843 Islip, New York |
| Died | August 30, 1901 (aged 57) Convent Station, New Jersey |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1864–1901 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | Corps of Engineers |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars Spanish–American War |
| Relations | William H. Ludlow |
William Ludlow (born November 27, 1843 – died August 30, 1901) was an important officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. He became a major general in the United States Army. William Ludlow served in several major conflicts, including the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and the Spanish–American War. He also led a science trip to explore the amazing natural sights of Yellowstone National Park.
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Early Life and Education
William Ludlow was born in Islip, Suffolk County, New York. His parents were William H. Ludlow and Frances Louisa Nicoll Ludlow. He went to the University of the City of New York. Later, he studied at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point.
He finished his studies and graduated in 1864. This was during the busiest time of the Civil War. After graduating, he joined the Corps of Engineers.
Serving in the Civil War
During the Civil War, Ludlow worked under Major General Joseph Hooker. He was part of the Atlanta Campaign. He showed great bravery at the Battle of Peachtree Creek. Because of his courage, he was promoted to a temporary captain.
He also worked for Major General William T. Sherman. He was with Sherman during both the famous March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign. In March 1865, he earned another temporary promotion. This time, he became a lieutenant colonel.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, Ludlow continued his military career. He focused on engineering and science projects. He worked in places like the Dakota Territory and Washington, D.C.. He also helped manage rivers and harbors in cities like Philadelphia and New York City. He worked around the Great Lakes and in Nicaragua.
As the Chief Engineer for the Dakota Territory, he helped map the land. He also collected information during the 7th Cavalry's trip into the Black Hills in 1874. This area is now part of South Dakota. From 1886 to 1888, he was a military commissioner for Washington, D.C.
In May 1898, he became a brigadier general of volunteers. He was also the Chief Engineer for the armies in the field. He led a brigade during the battle of El Caney and the siege of Santiago in Cuba. Later, he became the military governor of Santiago. He also commanded the Department of Havana. In September 1898, he was promoted to a major general of volunteers.
In April 1901, Ludlow was sent to the Philippines. He briefly commanded a department there. However, he had to return to the U.S. in June 1901. He had become sick with tuberculosis while serving in Cuba.
William Ludlow passed away in Convent, Morris County, New Jersey, on August 30, 1901. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
A Story of Honesty
William Ludlow was known for being very honest in his work. An old story from 1884 shows this. A businessman tried to give Colonel Ludlow, who was in charge of Philadelphia's Water Department, a $50 bill. The businessman said it was "to buy cigars for the boys."
Colonel Ludlow took the bill and offered the man a cigar. Then, in front of the amazed businessman, Ludlow rolled up the $50 bill. He used it to light his own cigar, letting the money burn away. He then offered the burning bill to light the businessman's cigar. This showed that Ludlow would not take bribes or special favors. He was dedicated to doing his job fairly.
In Movies
A made-up version of William Ludlow appears in the movie Legends of the Fall. In one part of the movie, a book called Report of a Reconnaissance of the Black Hills of Dakota is shown. This is a real book written by the actual William Ludlow. The movie uses it as if the fictional character wrote it.
Named After Him
Ludlow, South Dakota, a very small town in northwestern South Dakota, is named after William Ludlow. Also, in 1904, a school in Washington D.C. was named William Ludlow Elementary School. It later combined with another school to become Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School.
