William Tecumseh Sherman Timeline
William Tecumseh Sherman by People
William Tecumseh Sherman was a key Union general during the American Civil War, best known for his "March to the Sea," where his troops destroyed military targets, infrastructure, and civilian property to damage the Confederacy's economy and morale. Born in 1820, Sherman attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the U.S. Army before the Civil War. His strategies, though controversial, helped end the war and are considered significant in the history of "total war." After the war, Sherman served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army, contributing to the shaping of the post-war American West. His actions and strategies have left a lasting impact on military tactics worldwide.
February 8, 1820
Birth in Lancaster, Ohio
Born in a small Ohio town, this future general was part of a large family. His father's death when he was only nine led to his adoption by a family friend, which significantly shaped his upbringing. This early life experience would later influence his military strategies and leadership during the Civil War.
July 1, 1836
Admission to West Point Military Academy
This was a pivotal moment in the life of a future Civil War general. At West Point, he gained essential military skills and knowledge that would later shape his strategies. His time there was marked by average academic performance but exceptional military aptitude.
July 1, 1840
Graduation from West Point and Commissioned as Second Lieutenant
This event marked the start of a significant military career. The West Point graduation was a rigorous process, preparing young men for leadership in the U.S. Army. As a Second Lieutenant, he began his journey in the military, which would later shape the course of the American Civil War.
May 1, 1850
Marriage to Ellen Ewing
The marriage between the future Civil War general and Ellen Ewing was a significant event. Ellen, the daughter of a prominent Ohio politician, brought political connections to their union. Their marriage, lasting until her death, produced eight children, further cementing their bond.
September 6, 1853
Resignation from Military to Pursue Business
The general decided to leave his military career to try his hand in the business world. He moved to California, where he worked as a bank manager. However, he struggled in this new role, finding it difficult to succeed in the business environment.
December 1, 1859
Appointment as Superintendent of Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy
The appointment marked a significant shift in his career, transitioning from a military man to an educator. This role involved training young minds in both academic and military disciplines, shaping the future leaders of America. Despite the peaceful nature of this job, it was a stepping stone to his later, more aggressive role in the Civil War.
May 14, 1861
Rejoining the Army as Colonel of the 13th U.S. Infantry
After leaving his banking job, this general returned to military service, taking command of the 13th U.S. Infantry. His strategic mind and leadership skills were soon put to the test as the Civil War unfolded. This marked a significant turning point in his career and the war itself.
May 1, 1862
Promotion to Major General of Volunteers
This promotion marked a significant step in the general's military career. As a Major General of Volunteers, he was given more responsibility and command over larger forces. This role was crucial in shaping the outcome of the Civil War.
September 2, 1864
Capture of Atlanta, a Turning Point in the Civil War
The capture of Atlanta was a significant victory for the Union forces. This event crippled the Confederacy's ability to supply its troops, weakening their stance in the war. The victory also boosted Northern morale and played a key role in President Lincoln's re-election.
November 15, 1864
Start of Sherman's March to the Sea
This was a major military campaign where Union forces traveled 285 miles from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. The goal was to frighten Georgia’s civilian population into abandoning the Confederate cause. The march destroyed homes, farms, and railways, severely damaging the South's ability to fight.
April 26, 1865
Successful Negotiation of Confederate General Johnston's Surrender
This event marked a significant turning point in the American Civil War. The surrender of Confederate General Johnston, negotiated by a Union general, signaled the end of major combat operations in the South. This event helped pave the way for the reunification of the United States.
July 25, 1866
Promotion to Rank of Lieutenant General in the Regular Army
This promotion made the general the second highest-ranking military officer in the United States. It was a recognition of his significant contributions during the Civil War, particularly his famous "March to the Sea." The rank of Lieutenant General was a prestigious position, held by only a few in American history.
March 4, 1869
Appointment as General of the Army
This appointment marked a significant point in U.S. military history as he became the highest-ranking officer in the Army. He was responsible for leading all military operations, a role he held until his retirement in 1883. His strategies during the Civil War had a lasting impact on military tactics worldwide.
November 1, 1875
Publication of His Memoirs
The memoirs, published by this famous general, gave a firsthand account of the Civil War's battles and strategies. They also offered a glimpse into his personal experiences and thoughts during this tumultuous period. This publication became a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the war.
November 1, 1883
Retirement from the Army
After years of service, this famous general decided to hang up his boots. His retirement marked the end of an era in American military history. Despite leaving the battlefield, his influence on military strategy and tactics continued to be felt.
February 14, 1891
Death in New York City
This renowned general breathed his last in New York City, leaving a significant mark on American history. His strategies during the Civil War, particularly his famous "March to the Sea," greatly influenced the war's outcome. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy in military strategy continues to be studied today.
William Tecumseh Sherman was a key Union general during the American Civil War, best known for his "March to the Sea," where his troops destroyed military targets, infrastructure, and civilian property to damage the Confederacy's economy and morale. Born in 1820, Sherman attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the U.S. Army before the Civil War. His strategies, though controversial, helped end the war and are considered significant in the history of "total war." After the war, Sherman served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army, contributing to the shaping of the post-war American West. His actions and strategies have left a lasting impact on military tactics worldwide.
Born in a small Ohio town, this future general was part of a large family. His father's death when he was only nine led to his adoption by a family friend, which significantly shaped his upbringing. This early life experience would later influence his military strategies and leadership during the Civil War.
This was a pivotal moment in the life of a future Civil War general. At West Point, he gained essential military skills and knowledge that would later shape his strategies. His time there was marked by average academic performance but exceptional military aptitude.
This event marked the start of a significant military career. The West Point graduation was a rigorous process, preparing young men for leadership in the U.S. Army. As a Second Lieutenant, he began his journey in the military, which would later shape the course of the American Civil War.
The marriage between the future Civil War general and Ellen Ewing was a significant event. Ellen, the daughter of a prominent Ohio politician, brought political connections to their union. Their marriage, lasting until her death, produced eight children, further cementing their bond.
The general decided to leave his military career to try his hand in the business world. He moved to California, where he worked as a bank manager. However, he struggled in this new role, finding it difficult to succeed in the business environment.
The appointment marked a significant shift in his career, transitioning from a military man to an educator. This role involved training young minds in both academic and military disciplines, shaping the future leaders of America. Despite the peaceful nature of this job, it was a stepping stone to his later, more aggressive role in the Civil War.
After leaving his banking job, this general returned to military service, taking command of the 13th U.S. Infantry. His strategic mind and leadership skills were soon put to the test as the Civil War unfolded. This marked a significant turning point in his career and the war itself.
This promotion marked a significant step in the general's military career. As a Major General of Volunteers, he was given more responsibility and command over larger forces. This role was crucial in shaping the outcome of the Civil War.
The capture of Atlanta was a significant victory for the Union forces. This event crippled the Confederacy's ability to supply its troops, weakening their stance in the war. The victory also boosted Northern morale and played a key role in President Lincoln's re-election.
This was a major military campaign where Union forces traveled 285 miles from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. The goal was to frighten Georgia’s civilian population into abandoning the Confederate cause. The march destroyed homes, farms, and railways, severely damaging the South's ability to fight.
This event marked a significant turning point in the American Civil War. The surrender of Confederate General Johnston, negotiated by a Union general, signaled the end of major combat operations in the South. This event helped pave the way for the reunification of the United States.
This promotion made the general the second highest-ranking military officer in the United States. It was a recognition of his significant contributions during the Civil War, particularly his famous "March to the Sea." The rank of Lieutenant General was a prestigious position, held by only a few in American history.
This appointment marked a significant point in U.S. military history as he became the highest-ranking officer in the Army. He was responsible for leading all military operations, a role he held until his retirement in 1883. His strategies during the Civil War had a lasting impact on military tactics worldwide.
The memoirs, published by this famous general, gave a firsthand account of the Civil War's battles and strategies. They also offered a glimpse into his personal experiences and thoughts during this tumultuous period. This publication became a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the war.
After years of service, this famous general decided to hang up his boots. His retirement marked the end of an era in American military history. Despite leaving the battlefield, his influence on military strategy and tactics continued to be felt.
This renowned general breathed his last in New York City, leaving a significant mark on American history. His strategies during the Civil War, particularly his famous "March to the Sea," greatly influenced the war's outcome. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy in military strategy continues to be studied today.