Patrick Edward Connor
Encyclopedia
Patrick Edward Connor was a Union
General during the American Civil War
. He was most famous for his campaigns against Native Americans
in the American Old West
.
, Ireland
on St. Patrick's Day, 1820. He came to the United States
and enlisted, as Patrick Edward O'Connor, in the United States Army
on November 28, 1839. In addition to service in the Seminole Wars
., he saw service as a dragoon
at Fort Leavenworth
, Fort Atkinson
, Fort Sandford, and at the second Fort Des Moines
. He was honorably discharged, as a private, on November 28, 1844 and after two years in New York
went to Texas
. On April 5, 1845, he became a naturalized citizen.
as a first lieutenant, enlisting for 12 months. His independent company of Texas Volunteers under the command of Captain Charles A. Seefield was ordered to Port Lavaca on Matagorda Bay
as a part of General John E. Wool's
Army of the Center which was slated to invade Mexico. Marching through Monclova
, Parras
, and Saltillo
the company, now under his command as Captain Connor, and attached to the 2nd Illinois Volunteers under the command of Colonel William H. Bissel, fought in the Battle of Buena Vista
. The company saw heavy action, Connor being wounded in the hand; two of his lieutenants and 13 men were killed. He was honorably discharged on May 24, 1847 near Monterey, Mexico, resigning due to rheumatism
. When the California Gold Rush
developed he crossed Mexico from Texas and arrived in California on January 22, 1850.
and found a settlement. Connor and his men were unaware that the Trinity River empties into the Klamath River
instead of the Pacific. Of the 10 people in the whale boat attempting to navigate heavy surf, 5 were drowned. On May 28, 1853, he was called by Harry S. Love
to be his lieutenant in the company of California State Rangers
with 20 other experienced Mexican War veterans. They hunted down and killed the Mexican
outlaw
Joaquin Murrieta
and three others of his gang, captured two others, breaking up the Five Joaquins
. He and the rest of the Rangers were well rewarded by the state before being disbanded.
," a unit in the California
Militia
. He brought the strength of the unit up to regimental size and it became the 3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry
. His regiment was ordered to the Utah Territory
to protect the overland routes from Indians
and quell a possible Mormon
uprising.
While in Utah, Connor established a post and became discontent with his assignment. He and his men wished to head to Virginia
where the real fighting and glory was occurring. When major general
Henry W. Halleck (a personal friend of Connor's) became the general-in-chief of the Union armies, Connor pleaded that his men had enlisted to fight traitors. He offered to withhold $30,000 from the regiment's pay to ship the troops to the eastern battlefields. Halleck suggested that Connor reconnoiter the Salt Lake City area. Connor did so and established Fort Douglas in a commanding position over the city, despite the wishes of the Mormons. Brigham Young tried through his personal representative Kinney to Congress to displace Federal troops. However, through the efforts of Governor Doty and Connor Federal troops were sustained at Fort Douglas by Washington and the Pacific Theatre commanding general.
In October 1863, Connor along with Governor Doty signed peace treaties with the remaining hostile Indian tribes thereby bringing to a close all Indian hostilities within the Utah Terrority. Shortly after the signing of the treaties, officers and enlisted men of the California Volunteers stationed at Fort Douglas established the first daily Utah newspaper called The Union Vedette. This newspaper offered a balance of news unavailable through the LDS Church owned Deseret News.
Connor provided protection for non-Mormons and those wishing to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during his three years of service in Utah. He also discovered valuable mineral wealth in Utah that was reported to his superiors. This led to the gradual immigration of non-Mormons into Utah that led to weakening of the power of the LDS Church on every-day affairs in the territory. Reference is given to Connor's extensive military correspondence that was published in 1897 under The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.
In the early 1860s, population pressures in the Washington Territory
(present day Idaho
-Utah
border) led to conflicts between immigrant settlers and native Americans
. After an attack on miners with depositions given in Salt Lake City by the survivors, Connor marched his regiment 140 miles over the frozen winter landscape to 'deal' with the Indians. On January 29, 1863, Connor's troops encountered the Shoshoni encampment along the Bear River. Connor and his militia crossed the river and attacked the camp, they feigned a retreat only to encircle the camp and renew their attack.
Connor sent additional troops to block the Indian escape route through a ravine; and sent the rest of the soldiers on a flanking maneuver to a ridge, from where they fired down into the Indians. The soldiers also fired on Indians as they attempted to escape by swimming across the bitterly cold river. The troops killed nearly all the Indians, including women and children, with fatalities estimated at 200-400. Chief Bear Hunter was brutally murdered by the militia, and his body was unrecognisable due to the multitude of kicks, beatings and the fatal heated bayonet which was run through his head. General Conner and his men then carried their wounded away. Colonel Conner was then promoted to the rank of General for his victory.
The Indians had been supplied by the Mormons and large quantities of wheat and articles of war were captured by Connor's command after the battle at Bear River. An Indian survivor later said that the large band of Indians were planning on destroying the town of Franklin in modern day Idaho. Connor's dispatches are detailed in The War of the Rebellion - A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Pacific Theatre. The Union Vedette on January 30, 1864 gives a full account of the anniversary oration of the Battle of Bear River. The town of Frankln, Idaho also has an excellent detailed history of this battle.
in the Volunteer Army and given command of the District of Utah
. He made his district headquarters at Fort Douglas. In 1865, he led the Powder River Expedition against the Sioux
and Cheyenne
Indians, who were disrupting travelers along the Bozeman Trail
and overland mail routes. In August, 1865, Connor defeated a small combined Sioux-Arapaho
force at the Battle of the Tongue River
and effectively brought an end to the Army's campaign. The Expedition was judged mostly a failure due to poor planning, lack of equipment and supplies and poor coordination by Conner with his subcommands. In his afteraction reports, Conner placed blame on his subordinates unfairly.
The Powder River Expedition for some time brought peace to the territory. In another sense it was the beginning of a long struggle for subjugation by the U.S. military against the peoples of the Great Sioux Nation. Twenty-five years later the campaign to subdue these indigenous people climaxed at the Wounded Knee Massacre
.
major general
in the Volunteer Army and mustered out of the volunteer service in 1866. Never having been in combat against the Confederacy
in the East
, he continued to command troops on the frontier
. He recruited Confederate
veterans for service against the Indians.
Making his permanent residence in Salt Lake City, Connor established one the city's first newspapers. He also got involved in mining again. He founded a city in Utah
and named it Stockton
in honor of his California militia unit.
Connor died in Salt Lake City, Utah
and was buried there.
Union (American Civil War)
During the American Civil War, the Union was a name used to refer to the federal government of the United States, which was supported by the twenty free states and five border slave states. It was opposed by 11 southern slave states that had declared a secession to join together to form the...
General during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. He was most famous for his campaigns against Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
in the American Old West
American Old West
The American Old West, or the Wild West, comprises the history, geography, people, lore, and cultural expression of life in the Western United States, most often referring to the latter half of the 19th century, between the American Civil War and the end of the century...
.
Early life and career
Patrick Edward O'Connor was born in rural County KerryCounty Kerry
Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
on St. Patrick's Day, 1820. He came to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and enlisted, as Patrick Edward O'Connor, in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
on November 28, 1839. In addition to service in the Seminole Wars
Seminole Wars
The Seminole Wars, also known as the Florida Wars, were three conflicts in Florida between the Seminole — the collective name given to the amalgamation of various groups of native Americans and Black people who settled in Florida in the early 18th century — and the United States Army...
., he saw service as a dragoon
Dragoon
The word dragoon originally meant mounted infantry, who were trained in horse riding as well as infantry fighting skills. However, usage altered over time and during the 18th century, dragoons evolved into conventional light cavalry units and personnel...
at Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is a United States Army facility located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, immediately north of the city of Leavenworth in the upper northeast portion of the state. It is the oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C. and has been in operation for over 180 years...
, Fort Atkinson
Fort Atkinson
Fort Atkinson is the name of several locations in the United States:*Fort Atkinson, Iowa, a town named after General Atkinson*Fort Atkinson State Preserve, 1840s U.S. Army post in Fort Atkinson, Iowa*Fort Atkinson , 1820s U.S. Army post...
, Fort Sandford, and at the second Fort Des Moines
Fort Des Moines
Fort Des Moines can refer to:*Fort Des Moines No. 1 , a U.S. Army post that grew into Montrose, Iowa*Fort Des Moines No. 2 , a U.S. Army post that grew into Des Moines, Iowa...
. He was honorably discharged, as a private, on November 28, 1844 and after two years in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
went to Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. On April 5, 1845, he became a naturalized citizen.
Mexican War
In Texas he joined the Texas Volunteers in May 1846 giving the name "Connor", serving as a first lieutenant in the Texas Foot Riflemen. On July 7, 1846, at Galveston, Texas, he was mustered into the United States ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
as a first lieutenant, enlisting for 12 months. His independent company of Texas Volunteers under the command of Captain Charles A. Seefield was ordered to Port Lavaca on Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay is a large estuary bay on the Texas coast, lying in Calhoun and Matagorda counties and located approximately northeast of Corpus Christi, southeast of San Antonio, southwest of Houston, and southeast of Austin. It is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Matagorda Peninsula and...
as a part of General John E. Wool's
John E. Wool
John Ellis Wool was an officer in the United States Army during three consecutive U.S. wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. By the time of the Mexican-American War, he was widely considered one of the most capable officers in the army and a superb organizer...
Army of the Center which was slated to invade Mexico. Marching through Monclova
Monclova
On the other hand, temperatures during late spring and summer can have bouts of extreme heat, with evenings above 40°C for many consecutive days. In recent decades the hottest records have climbed as high as 43°C on July 13, 2005 and 45°C on May 4, 1984. However nighttime low temperatures are...
, Parras
Parras
Parras de la Fuente is a city located in the southern part of the Mexican state of Coahuila. At the census of 2010, the population was 45,423. There are a large number of factories that produce denim, including a Dickies factory, and Parras is also a wine-making place...
, and Saltillo
Saltillo
Saltillo is the capital city of the northeastern Mexican state of Coahuila and the municipal seat of the municipality of the same name. The city is located about 400 km south of the U.S. state of Texas, and 90 km west of Monterrey, Nuevo León....
the company, now under his command as Captain Connor, and attached to the 2nd Illinois Volunteers under the command of Colonel William H. Bissel, fought in the Battle of Buena Vista
Battle of Buena Vista
The Battle of Buena Vista , also known as the Battle of Angostura, saw the United States Army use artillery to repulse the much larger Mexican army in the Mexican-American War...
. The company saw heavy action, Connor being wounded in the hand; two of his lieutenants and 13 men were killed. He was honorably discharged on May 24, 1847 near Monterey, Mexico, resigning due to rheumatism
Rheumatism
Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue. The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.-Terminology:...
. When the California Gold Rush
California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush began on January 24, 1848, when gold was found by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. The first to hear confirmed information of the gold rush were the people in Oregon, the Sandwich Islands , and Latin America, who were the first to start flocking to...
developed he crossed Mexico from Texas and arrived in California on January 22, 1850.
California
Shortly after his arrival in California he was involved in a boating accident in the surf while attempting to reach the mouth of the Trinity RiverTrinity River (California)
The Trinity River is the longest tributary of the Klamath River, approximately long, in northwestern California in the United States. It drains an area of the Coast Ranges, including the southern Klamath Mountains, northwest of the Sacramento Valley...
and found a settlement. Connor and his men were unaware that the Trinity River empties into the Klamath River
Klamath River
The Klamath River is an American river that flows southwest through Oregon and northern California, cutting through the Cascade Range to empty into the Pacific Ocean. The river drains an extensive watershed of almost that stretches from the high desert country of the Great Basin to the temperate...
instead of the Pacific. Of the 10 people in the whale boat attempting to navigate heavy surf, 5 were drowned. On May 28, 1853, he was called by Harry S. Love
Harry Love (lawman)
Harry Love was the head of California's first law enforcement agency, the California State Rangers, and became famous for allegedly killing the notorious bandit Joaquin Murrieta.-Early life:...
to be his lieutenant in the company of California State Rangers
California State Rangers
The California Rangers, or the California State Rangers, was California's first state wide law enforcement agency formed in 1853 to deal with the outlaw gangs troubling the Gold Country during the early 1850s. The force was disbanded following the success in suppressing the Five Joaquins gang...
with 20 other experienced Mexican War veterans. They hunted down and killed the Mexican
Mexican people
Mexican people refers to all persons from Mexico, a multiethnic country in North America, and/or who identify with the Mexican cultural and/or national identity....
outlaw
Outlaw
In historical legal systems, an outlaw is declared as outside the protection of the law. In pre-modern societies, this takes the burden of active prosecution of a criminal from the authorities. Instead, the criminal is withdrawn all legal protection, so that anyone is legally empowered to persecute...
Joaquin Murrieta
Joaquin Murrieta
Joaquin Carrillo Murrieta , also called the Mexican or Chilean Robin Hood or the Robin Hood of El Dorado, was a semi-legendary figure in California during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s...
and three others of his gang, captured two others, breaking up the Five Joaquins
Five Joaquins
The Five Joaquins were an outlaw gang in California led by Joaquin Murrieta and composed of himself, Joaquin Botellier, Joaquin Carrillo, Joaquin Ocomorenia, and Joaquin Valenzuela...
. He and the rest of the Rangers were well rewarded by the state before being disbanded.
Civil War
When the Civil War broke out, Connor was in command of the "Stockton BluesStockton Blues
The Stockton Blues was a California state militia unit organized in 1857 and disbanded in 1861 due to secessionist dissension. Union men then reformed under the Stockton Union Guard, 1861–1866.-References:**...
," a unit in the California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
Militia
Militia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
. He brought the strength of the unit up to regimental size and it became the 3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry
3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry
The 3rd Regiment California Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This regiment was organized at Stockton and at Benicia Barracks, from October 31 to December 31, 1861, to serve three years. The regiment was first commanded by Colonel Patrick...
. His regiment was ordered to the Utah Territory
Utah Territory
The Territory of Utah was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from September 9, 1850, until January 4, 1896, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Utah....
to protect the overland routes from Indians
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
and quell a possible Mormon
Mormon
The term Mormon most commonly denotes an adherent, practitioner, follower, or constituent of Mormonism, which is the largest branch of the Latter Day Saint movement in restorationist Christianity...
uprising.
While in Utah, Connor established a post and became discontent with his assignment. He and his men wished to head to Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
where the real fighting and glory was occurring. When major general
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
Henry W. Halleck (a personal friend of Connor's) became the general-in-chief of the Union armies, Connor pleaded that his men had enlisted to fight traitors. He offered to withhold $30,000 from the regiment's pay to ship the troops to the eastern battlefields. Halleck suggested that Connor reconnoiter the Salt Lake City area. Connor did so and established Fort Douglas in a commanding position over the city, despite the wishes of the Mormons. Brigham Young tried through his personal representative Kinney to Congress to displace Federal troops. However, through the efforts of Governor Doty and Connor Federal troops were sustained at Fort Douglas by Washington and the Pacific Theatre commanding general.
In October 1863, Connor along with Governor Doty signed peace treaties with the remaining hostile Indian tribes thereby bringing to a close all Indian hostilities within the Utah Terrority. Shortly after the signing of the treaties, officers and enlisted men of the California Volunteers stationed at Fort Douglas established the first daily Utah newspaper called The Union Vedette. This newspaper offered a balance of news unavailable through the LDS Church owned Deseret News.
Connor provided protection for non-Mormons and those wishing to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during his three years of service in Utah. He also discovered valuable mineral wealth in Utah that was reported to his superiors. This led to the gradual immigration of non-Mormons into Utah that led to weakening of the power of the LDS Church on every-day affairs in the territory. Reference is given to Connor's extensive military correspondence that was published in 1897 under The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.
Battle of Bear River
- See main article: Bear River MassacreBear River MassacreThe Bear River Massacre, or the Battle of Bear River and the Massacre at Boa Ogoi, took place in present-day Idaho on January 29, 1863. The United States Army attacked Shoshone gathered at the confluence of the Bear River and Beaver Creek in what was then southeastern Washington Territory. The...
In the early 1860s, population pressures in the Washington Territory
Washington Territory
The Territory of Washington was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 8, 1853, until November 11, 1889, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Washington....
(present day Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
-Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
border) led to conflicts between immigrant settlers and native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
. After an attack on miners with depositions given in Salt Lake City by the survivors, Connor marched his regiment 140 miles over the frozen winter landscape to 'deal' with the Indians. On January 29, 1863, Connor's troops encountered the Shoshoni encampment along the Bear River. Connor and his militia crossed the river and attacked the camp, they feigned a retreat only to encircle the camp and renew their attack.
Connor sent additional troops to block the Indian escape route through a ravine; and sent the rest of the soldiers on a flanking maneuver to a ridge, from where they fired down into the Indians. The soldiers also fired on Indians as they attempted to escape by swimming across the bitterly cold river. The troops killed nearly all the Indians, including women and children, with fatalities estimated at 200-400. Chief Bear Hunter was brutally murdered by the militia, and his body was unrecognisable due to the multitude of kicks, beatings and the fatal heated bayonet which was run through his head. General Conner and his men then carried their wounded away. Colonel Conner was then promoted to the rank of General for his victory.
The Indians had been supplied by the Mormons and large quantities of wheat and articles of war were captured by Connor's command after the battle at Bear River. An Indian survivor later said that the large band of Indians were planning on destroying the town of Franklin in modern day Idaho. Connor's dispatches are detailed in The War of the Rebellion - A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies of the Pacific Theatre. The Union Vedette on January 30, 1864 gives a full account of the anniversary oration of the Battle of Bear River. The town of Frankln, Idaho also has an excellent detailed history of this battle.
Powder River Expedition
After the Battle of Bear River, Connor was appointed brigadier generalBrigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
in the Volunteer Army and given command of the District of Utah
District of Utah
During the American Civil War, the District of Utah was a subordinate district of the Army's Department of the Pacific.On August 6, 1862, the Department of the Pacific absorbed the District of Utah, the territory of the former Department of Utah which had been discontinued on July 3, 1861; the...
. He made his district headquarters at Fort Douglas. In 1865, he led the Powder River Expedition against the Sioux
Sioux
The Sioux are Native American and First Nations people in North America. The term can refer to any ethnic group within the Great Sioux Nation or any of the nation's many language dialects...
and Cheyenne
Cheyenne
Cheyenne are a Native American people of the Great Plains, who are of the Algonquian language family. The Cheyenne Nation is composed of two united tribes, the Só'taeo'o and the Tsétsêhéstâhese .The Cheyenne are thought to have branched off other tribes of Algonquian stock inhabiting lands...
Indians, who were disrupting travelers along the Bozeman Trail
Bozeman Trail
The Bozeman Trail was an overland route connecting the gold rush territory of Montana to the Oregon Trail. Its most important period was from 1863-1868. The flow of pioneers and settlers through territory of American Indians provoked their resentment and caused attacks. The U.S. Army undertook...
and overland mail routes. In August, 1865, Connor defeated a small combined Sioux-Arapaho
Arapaho
The Arapaho are a tribe of Native Americans historically living on the eastern plains of Colorado and Wyoming. They were close allies of the Cheyenne tribe and loosely aligned with the Sioux. Arapaho is an Algonquian language closely related to Gros Ventre, whose people are seen as an early...
force at the Battle of the Tongue River
Battle of the Tongue River
The Battle of the Tongue River, sometimes referred to as the Connor Battle, was the major engagement of the Powder River Expedition of 1865, directed against the Southern Cheyenne, Arapaho and Lakota Sioux. It destroyed for a time the Arapaho capability to raid the Bozeman Trail and overland mail...
and effectively brought an end to the Army's campaign. The Expedition was judged mostly a failure due to poor planning, lack of equipment and supplies and poor coordination by Conner with his subcommands. In his afteraction reports, Conner placed blame on his subordinates unfairly.
The Powder River Expedition for some time brought peace to the territory. In another sense it was the beginning of a long struggle for subjugation by the U.S. military against the peoples of the Great Sioux Nation. Twenty-five years later the campaign to subdue these indigenous people climaxed at the Wounded Knee Massacre
Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre happened on December 29, 1890, near Wounded Knee Creek on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, USA. On the day before, a detachment of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment commanded by Major Samuel M...
.
Postwar activities
When the Civil War ended, Connor was appointed a brevetBrevet (military)
In many of the world's military establishments, brevet referred to a warrant authorizing a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily, but usually without receiving the pay of that higher rank except when actually serving in that role. An officer so promoted may be referred to as being...
major general
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
in the Volunteer Army and mustered out of the volunteer service in 1866. Never having been in combat against the Confederacy
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
in the East
East
East is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating direction or geography.East is one of the four cardinal directions or compass points. It is the opposite of west and is perpendicular to north and south.By convention, the right side of a map is east....
, he continued to command troops on the frontier
Frontier
A frontier is a political and geographical term referring to areas near or beyond a boundary. 'Frontier' was absorbed into English from French in the 15th century, with the meaning "borderland"--the region of a country that fronts on another country .The use of "frontier" to mean "a region at the...
. He recruited Confederate
Confederate States Army
The Confederate States Army was the army of the Confederate States of America while the Confederacy existed during the American Civil War. On February 8, 1861, delegates from the seven Deep South states which had already declared their secession from the United States of America adopted the...
veterans for service against the Indians.
Making his permanent residence in Salt Lake City, Connor established one the city's first newspapers. He also got involved in mining again. He founded a city in Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
and named it Stockton
Stockton, Utah
Stockton is a town in Tooele County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Salt Lake City, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 616 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Stockton is located at ....
in honor of his California militia unit.
Connor died in Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
and was buried there.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals
- Red Cloud's WarRed Cloud's WarRed Cloud's War was an armed conflict between the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho and the United States in the Wyoming Territory and the Montana Territory from 1866 to 1868. The war was fought over control of the Powder River Country in north central present day Wyoming...
Further Reading and External Links
- Madsen, Brigham D. Glory Hunter: A Biography of Patrick Edward Connor. (1990) ISBN 978-1-60781-154-1
- Rogers, Fred B., Soldiers of the Overland: Being some account of the services of General Patrick Edward Connor & his Volunteers in the Old West, Grabhorn Press (1938), hardcover, 292 pages
- "Patrick Connor", Military Museum
- "Patrick Connor", University of Utah