Philip Sheridan

Philip Henry Sheridan (March 6, 1831 – August 5, 1888), a military man and one of the great generals in the American Civil War. His actions proved decisive for the Union. He pacified the Great Plains. Both as a soldier and private citizen he was instrumental in the development and protection of Yellowstone National Park.

Early life

Sheridan was born March 6, 1831 in Albany, New York (or perhaps, Boston, Massachusetts), to John and Mary Sheridan, immigrants from County Cavan, Ireland. He grew up in Somerset, Ohio. Fully grown, he reached only 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall.

Related Topics:
Albany, New York - Boston, Massachusetts - County Cavan - Ireland - Somerset, Ohio

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In 1848, a family friend obtained an appointment for him at West Point. In his third year he was suspended for a year for fighting with a classmate. The day previous Sheridan, for a perceived insult, had threatened to run him through with a bayonet. He graduated 34th in his class, near the bottom, July, 1853.

Related Topics:
1848 - West Point - July - 1853

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After graduation Sheridan was assigned to the 1st Infantry at Fort Duncan, Texas, then to the 4th Infantry in the Pacific Northwest. There he performed duty at the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation in Yamhill County, Oregon.

Related Topics:
Infantry - Fort Duncan - Texas - Pacific Northwest - Grand Ronde Indian Reservation - Yamhill County, Oregon

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