William T. H. Brooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William T. H. Brooks
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Maj. Gen. William T. H. Brooks
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| Born | January 28, 1821 New Lisbon, Ohio |
| Died | July 19, 1870 (aged 49) Huntsville, Alabama |
| Place of burial |
Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama
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| Allegiance |  United StatesUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1841–1864 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Commands held | 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, VI Corps Department of the Monongahela 1st Division/XVIII Corps |
| Battles/wars | Second Seminole War Mexican War American Civil War |
| Other work | farmer |
William Thomas Harbaugh Brooks (born January 28, 1821 – died July 19, 1870) was a professional soldier in the United States Army. He became a major general during the American Civil War.
Contents
William Brooks: A Military Leader
William T. H. Brooks was a brave soldier who fought in three major American wars. He started his career after graduating from a famous military academy. Brooks rose through the ranks, showing courage in many battles. He is remembered for his service to the United States.
Early Life and Education
William Brooks was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, on January 28, 1821. He went to public schools as a child. Later, he attended the United States Military Academy. This is a very important school for training army officers. He graduated in 1841.
Fighting in Early Wars
Brooks gained experience in two important conflicts before the Civil War. These were the Second Seminole War and the Mexican–American War.
The Seminole War
Brooks first saw combat in the Second Seminole War. This war was fought against the Seminole people in Florida. It helped him learn about military operations.
The Mexican-American War
He then fought in the Mexican–American War (1846-1848). This war was between the United States and Mexico. Brooks took part in several key battles.
- Battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma: These were early battles in 1846.
- Battle of Monterrey: Brooks showed great bravery here. He was promoted to captain for his "gallant and meritorious conduct."
- Siege of Vera Cruz and Battle of Cerro Gordo: He continued to fight in major actions.
- Battle of Contreras and Churubusco: For his actions in these battles, he was promoted to major.
After these battles, Brooks worked for General David E. Twiggs. He served on Twiggs's staff for the rest of the war.
Frontier Duty and New Challenges
After the Mexican War, Brooks continued his military service. He was promoted to captain in the 3rd U.S. Infantry in 1851. He spent several years on the frontier in the New Mexico Territory. Here, he sometimes had small fights with the local Navajos.
Later, he was stationed at Fort Clark, Texas. In 1861, he moved to Fort Hamilton in New York. He was there when the Southern states decided to leave the United States. This event led to the American Civil War.
William Brooks in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, William Brooks was quickly promoted. He became a brigadier general in September 1861. He played a significant role in many major campaigns.
Early Campaigns and Injuries
Brooks commanded troops in the Peninsula Campaign. He also led his brigade in the Seven Days Battles. During the Battle of Savage's Station, he was wounded.
After recovering, he returned to lead his brigade in the Maryland Campaign. His men fought bravely at Crampton's Gap. They even captured a Confederate battle flag there. At the Battle of Antietam, his brigade was mostly held in reserve. However, they were still under heavy enemy fire.
Leading Divisions and Challenges
Brooks was promoted to lead a division in the VI Corps. He commanded this division at the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancellorsville. In June 1863, he was promoted to major general. However, this promotion was later taken back. Some say this was because of disagreements among generals after Fredericksburg.
During the Gettysburg Campaign, Brooks was in charge of the Department of the Monongahela. His headquarters were in Pittsburgh. He oversaw the building of defenses to protect the city.
Final Battles and Retirement
In the spring of 1864, Brooks returned to active field duty. He commanded a division in the XVIII Corps. He led his troops at the Battle of Cold Harbor and during the Siege of Petersburg. In July 1864, he had to leave the army due to poor health. He then returned home.
Important Battles: Fredericksburg and Salem Church
William Brooks's division was involved in key moments during the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancellorsville. These were two very large and important battles.
Second Battle of Fredericksburg (April 29, 1863)
General John Sedgwick was near Fredericksburg with several Union army corps. The plan was for Sedgwick to make it look like the main attack would be there. This was to trick the Confederate general, Robert E. Lee.
On April 29, 1863, Union troops crossed the river. William T. H. Brooks's division was among the first to cross. This move was part of the plan to confuse the enemy.
Fighting at Fredericksburg and Salem Church (May 3, 1863)
On May 3, 1863, Union divisions faced Confederate forces. Brooks's division was part of the Union line. They were positioned from the town to Deep Run.
The Confederates had strong defenses at Marye's Heights. Brooks's division was involved in the fighting here.
The Battle of Salem Church (May 3, 1863)
Later that day, General Sedgwick attacked Confederate positions with Brooks's division. Brooks's troops pushed back the enemy's right side. However, a strong counterattack forced Brooks to pull back. The fighting ended as the sun set.
That night, General Lee planned to attack Sedgwick's forces. Sedgwick received permission to retreat across the river if needed.
Life After the War
After leaving the army, William Brooks moved to Alabama. He started a farm there. He died in Huntsville, Alabama, on July 19, 1870. He is buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.
Images for kids
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Maj. Gen. William T. H. Brooks
