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Philip Sheridan Facts

Philip Sheridan Facts
Philip Sheridan was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War who saw extensive action in both the Western and Eastern Theaters of operations. Starting the Civil War at the rank of captain, Sheridan steadily advanced through the ranks by performing well in numerous battles, eventually being promoted to brigadier general. Sheridan was born Philip Henry Sheridan on March 6, 1831 in Albany, New York to John and Mary Sheridan, whom were Irish immigrants. He grew up in Somerset, Ohio where he learned bookkeeping skills that he would later use as a quartermaster general in the army. Like nearly all Civil War generals, Sheridan attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, graduating in 1853. Sheridan married Iren Tucker in 1875; they would have four children and remain married until his death.
Interesting Philip Sheridan Facts:
Sheridan was suspended from West Point for a year for fighting, which set his graduation back.
Sheridan's first combat experience came in the 1850s when he fought against Indian tribes in the Pacific Northwest. His nose was grazed by a bullet in 1857.
Standing only 5'5, Sheridan earned the nickname "Little Phil."
He served as a quartermaster general early in the war, but quickly saw combat where he distinguished himself.
Sheridan was promoted to brigadier general in the summer of 1862 where he commanded infantry.
After fighting in the battles of Perryville, and Stones River, Sheridan played a major role in the Battle of Chickamauga from September 18-20, 1863.
At the Battle of Chattanooga on November 25, 1863, Sheridan showed particular daring and bravery as he led his men to take Missionary Ridge, which was crucial to the Union's victory in that battle.
Sheridan was promoted to command the cavalry in the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern Theater in the spring of 1864.
Historians generally view Sheridan's success as mixed during the Overland Campaign of the summer of 1864
Sheridan was promoted to the commander of the Army of the Shenandoah on August 7, 1864 with the purpose of stopping Confederate attacks into Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
General Sheridan pursued a scorched earth policy in the Shenandoah Valley in the fall of 1864, burning over 2,000 barns and killing thousands more heads of livestock by his own count.
Sheridan served alongside General Grant during the Appomattox Campaign and prevented General Lee's retreat at the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865.
After the Civil War, Sheridan continued to serve in the military in roles such as advisor in Europe, on the western frontier, and finally as commanding general of the United States army, which he attained on November 1, 1883.
Sheridan helped restore order in Chicago during that city's "Great Fire" of 1871.
He was integral in the creation of Yellowstone National Park.
Several towns and counties, primarily in western states, are named for Sheridan and he is the only military person to be depicted on a $10 bill.
Sheridan died on August 5, 1888 of heart failure in Dartmouth, Massachusetts at the age of fifty-seven.


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