Union cavalry officer who played a crucial role in the Battle of Gettysburg, delaying Confederate forces and allowing Union troops to establish a strong defensive position .
John Buford, a renowned United States Army cavalry officer, is best known for his pivotal role in the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, where he skillfully identified Cemetery Hill and Cemetery Ridge as strategic high ground, delaying the enemy's advance and allowing the Union Army to arrive in time.
Buford's astute military instincts and leadership played a crucial part in the Union's ultimate victory at Gettysburg, earning him recognition as one of the most important figures of the American Civil War.
John Buford Jr. was born on March 4, 1826, in Woodford County, Kentucky, to a family with a strong military tradition. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1848, ranking 16th out of 38 cadets.
Buford remained loyal to the United States during the Civil War, despite being born in the border state of Kentucky. He initially served as a cavalry brigade commander under Major General John Pope and distinguished himself at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862, where he was wounded.
He also saw action at Antietam in September 1862 and during Stoneman's Raid in the spring of 1863. Buford's cavalry division played a vital role in the Gettysburg Campaign that summer, where he expertly deployed his troops to delay the Confederate Army's advance.
On the morning of July 1, 1863, Buford's division was attacked by a Confederate division under Major General Henry Heth. Despite being outnumbered, Buford's men held their ground, allowing Union reinforcements to arrive and eventually secure a strategic victory.
Buford's tactical genius and leadership were instrumental in the Union's success at Gettysburg, earning him recognition from President Abraham Lincoln himself. Just before his death, Lincoln promoted Buford to major general of volunteers in recognition of his exceptional service.
John Buford's bravery, tactical acumen, and leadership have cemented his place in American military history. His actions at Gettysburg have been studied and revered by military strategists and historians alike, earning him a lasting legacy as one of the most important figures of the American Civil War.
Born in 1815
Led the Union Army to victory in the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, and later oversaw the construction of the Washington Aqueduct.
Born in 1824
A prominent Union general during the American Civil War, known for his heroic actions at Gettysburg, and later a presidential candidate.
90 Years Old
Developed programming language theories and designed the Forsythe language, making significant contributions to the field of computer science.
Born in 1824
A Union general during the American Civil War, known for his distinctive sideburns and leading the Army of the Potomac to a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Born in 1814
Union general who played a crucial role in the American Civil War, particularly at the Battle of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Born in 1826
A Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his cautious tactics and disagreements with President Lincoln, later becoming a governor of New Jersey.
Born in 1822
Led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War and later became President, known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and strengthening federal authority.
