Sedgwick

John Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Army Corps of the U.S. Volunteers, was killed in action on the morning of May 9, 1864, at this spot. He was remembered as a beloved commander by the survivors of his corps and their friends. The tribute was dedicated on May 12, 1887, the twenty-third anniversary of the heaviest days of fighting at Spottsylvania. Sedgwick was born at Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, on September 18, 1813; became a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy on July 1, 1833; was appointed second lieutenant, Second Artillery, on July 1, 1837; first lieutenant on April 19, 1839; captain on January 26, 1849; major, First Cavalry, on March 8, 1855; lieutenant colonel, Second Cavalry, on March 18, 1861; colonel, First Cavalry, on April 25, 1861; brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers on August 31, 1861; and major general of U.S. Volunteers on July 4, 1862.

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia · United States