| Henry Brewerton | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 25, 1801 |
| Died | April 17, 1879 (aged 77) |
| Place of birth | New York City, New York |
| Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1819 - 1867 |
| Rank |
Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Superintendent, United States Military Academy |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry Brewerton (September 25, 1801 – April 17, 1879) was a career engineering officer in the United States Army, serving as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy and then as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early life and career[]
Henry Brewerton was born in New York City, New York. He lost his parents at a very early age, but, under the guardianship of Daniel D. Tompkins, entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated on July 1, 1819, 5th in a class of 29 cadets and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant the same day. He was not yet 18 years old at the time of his commencement.[1][2] After a brief tour at Rouses Point helping to survey and establish the 45th parallel along the border between the United States and Canada, Brewerton taught engineering at the academy. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant on January 1, 1825, and to captain on September 21, 1836.
He later worked as an engineer on seacoast defenses and on the construction of the National Road in Ohio. He returned to West Point as superintendent of the military academy in 1845. Replaced in 1852 by Robert E. Lee, Brewerton was promoted to major of engineers on August 23, 1856, after almost 19 years in the rank of captain.[3]
Civil War service[]
At the outset of the conflict in April 1861, Brewerton was on an extended tour of Western Europe, Greece, Palestine, and Egypt, escorted by Zealous B. Tower. Promoted to lieutenant colonel, on August 6, 1861, Brewerton was thereafter superintending engineer of the fortifications and improvements of Baltimore Harbor, Fort Monroe, and Hampton Roads. He was promoted to colonel on April 22, 1864, and was Breveted as a brigadier general of engineers at the war's close. Brewerton retired on March 7, 1867, after more than 47 years active service, not including his almost 6 years as a cadet at West Point. He spent his last years in Delaware.
Brewerton is buried at the Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island.
His son George Douglas Brewerton was a noted painter, poet, and journalist.
See also[]
Notes[]
References[]
- Mark Mayo Boatner (1988-08-19). The Civil War dictionary. Crown Business. ISBN 0-8129-1726-X.
External links[]
- Brevet Brigadier General Henry Brewerton; United States Military Academy Association of Graduates' Annual Report of 1879, written by Zealous Bates Tower, published at SUVCW Camp No. 21 (Commodore Joel Abbot camp) website
The original article can be found at Henry Brewerton and the edit history here.