William Henry French

William Henry French

Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Significance:

Major General commanding III Corps Union Army of the Potomac

Place Of Birth:

Baltimore, MD

Date Of Birth:

January 13, 1815

Place Of Death:

Washington, DC

Date Of Death:

May 20, 1881

Place Of Burial:

Washington, DC

Cemetery Name:

Rock Creek Cemetery

From the Peninsula to Maryland: French's role in the summer of 1862

William Henry French was stationed at Fort Duncan, Texas when the lone star state seceded from the Union, and as a staunch unionist, he rapidly led his command to stamp down on secessionist activities. Rising from his commission as Brigadier General, after demonstrating staunch leadership during Fair Oaks and the Seven Days Battles, French was given command of the Third Division, II Corps in the Army of the Potomac during the Northern Virginia Campaign.

It was French who made the first attack on the Confederate troops in the Sunken Road during the Battle of Antietam, on September 17, 1862. The central role of his division resulted in 1,700 casualties, though French himself emerged unscathed.

William French was promoted to Major General later that year on November 29, 1862.