James H. Carleton

James Henry Carleton (December 27, 1814 – January 7, 1873) was an officer in the Union army during the Civil War. Carleton is most famous as an Indian fighter in the southwestern United States.

Related Topics:
December 27 - 1814 - January 7 - 1873 - Union - Civil War - United States

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Carleton was born in Lubec, Maine. He took part in the Aroostook War and Mexican-American War. He served in the 1st U.S. Dragoons in the American West.

Related Topics:
Lubec, Maine - Aroostook War - Mexican-American War - American West

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In 1861 Carleton raised and was appointed colonel of the 1st California Volunteer Regiment. He led the so called California Column across California, Arizona, Texas, and into New Mexico. Along the way the Californians fought the Battle of Picacho Pass and after the Battle of Apache Pass, Carleton founded Fort Bowie. Carleton linked up with Union forces under Colonel Edward Canby in New Mexico. After the Confederate threat to New Mexico was eliminated, Candy and many of the Union forces were sent to the east. In April, 1862, Carleton was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and appointed to command the Department of New Mexico.

Related Topics:
1861 - Colonel - California - Arizona - Texas - New Mexico - Battle of Picacho Pass - Battle of Apache Pass - Fort Bowie - Edward Canby - Confederate - April - 1862 - Brigadier general

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During his time as department commander Carleton was primarily concerned with Indian threats. Carleton's primary field commander was Colonel Kit Carson. Carleton campaigned relentlessly against the Indians. He was a harsh commander but was well respected by his men. Carleton's campaigning brought the Navajo to an end and an expedition led by Carson brought about the largest Indian surrender at Canyon de Chelly. Carleton next sent Carson on an expedition to rid the southwest of Indian raids which resulted in the Battle of Adobe Walls. He was appointed brevet major general in the regular army in 1865 and the Civil War ended the same year. He retained command of his volunteer troops until 1866 when U.S. Regulars took over in the west. Carleton served as a lieutenant colonel of the 4th U.S. Cavalry after the war.

Related Topics:
Colonel - Kit Carson - Navajo - Canyon de Chelly - Battle of Adobe Walls - Brevet - Major general - 1865 - Civil War - 1866 - Lieutenant colonel

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Carleton wrote several books on the military: The Battle of Buena Vista (1848), Diary of an Excursion to the Ruins of Abo, Quarra, and the Grand Quivira in New Mexico in 1853 (1855), The Mountain Meadows Massacre (1859), and The Prairie Log Books (posthumous, 1944). He died in San Antonio, Texas, and is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Related Topics:
Battle of Buena Vista - 1848 - 1855 - 1859 - 1944 - San Antonio, Texas - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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