George Henry Thomas
The 'Rock of Chickamauga,' a Virginian who stood unshakably for the Union, saving an army and becoming a cornerstone of Northern victory in the West.
1816–1870 (age 54)·American army general·Birthday: July 31
Biography
George Henry Thomas faced the ultimate test of loyalty when his native Virginia seceded. A career soldier and West Point graduate, he chose the Union, a decision that estranged him from his family forever. His steadfastness defined his Civil War service. At the Battle of Chickamauga, as the Union line collapsed, Thomas organized a desperate, heroic defense that saved the army from annihilation, earning his famous nickname. Later, his meticulously planned and executed victory at Nashville shattered the Confederate Army of Tennessee. Methodical to a fault and often overshadowed by more flamboyant peers like Grant and Sherman, Thomas was perhaps the Union's most dependable commander in the Western Theater, a master of defensive warfare whose solidity provided the foundation for his army's offensive successes.
#1 When George Was Born
The biggest hits of 1816
George's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1816Born
1821Started school
1829Became a teenager
1832Could drive
1834Could vote
1837Turned 21
1846Turned 30
1856Turned 40
1866Turned 50
President: Andrew Johnson
1870Died at 54
President: Ulysses S. Grant
Key Achievements
- Held the Union line at the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863, preventing a total rout and earning the nickname 'The Rock of Chickamauga.'
- Achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Nashville in 1864, effectively destroying the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
- Commanded the Union XIV Corps at the Battle of Stones River, where his stubborn defense was crucial to the Union holding the field.
- Served with distinction in the Mexican-American War, receiving brevet promotions for bravery at Monterrey and Buena Vista.
Did You Know?
His sisters turned his portrait to the wall and never spoke to him again after he remained loyal to the Union.
He was known for his love of artillery and was an expert in its deployment, often personally sighting cannons.
Despite his success, he was never given overall command of the Western Theater, partly due to lingering doubts about his loyalty from Washington.
After the war, he commanded the Military Division of the Pacific and died of a stroke at his headquarters in San Francisco in 1870.
“I will hold the position until every man is dead.”
