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Joseph Hooker By: Erica DeBlase
Birth and Family Joseph Hooker was born into the United States on November 13, 1814. He grew up in the town of Hadley, located in Massachusetts. He had four siblings that were all older than him and were all girls! He Father’s name was Joseph Hooker as well. His father was a business man, but was very unsuccessful. Young Joseph attended Hopkins Academy. At this stage he was a regular child, who attended school and lived with his large family.
Young Adulthood After Joseph Hooker graduated Hopkins Academy, then four years later he left his home town and went to New York and Attended West Point. West Point is a college specifically for army education, teaching students how to fight in wars, and how to use war tactics. After this training, he was ready to accept war assignments.
He participated in wars like the Second Seminole War. He stayed in that war for seven years! This war was between American Indians and the United States, it also took place in Florida. This war and a few others are what made him ready for the Civil War, and his path to fame!
Adulthood Joseph asked President Lincoln in a letter for a position as general in the new war. A little later he was assigned as Brigadier General, which is second rank in the armed forces. In result of his great work at the battle of Williamsburg in Virginia, he became Major General. That means he is a high ranking Officer. As his good work progressed, he became the general of all the North! Before he got the position, he commanded the battle of Antietam.
The battle of Antietam is why he was most famous. This battle was for seven days and was the turning point of the war for the North. The Union proved themselves and the Confederates did not capture the Union land. Since he was leading the Union during this battle, a lot of credit went to him, and that made him famous. Also, he wounded his foot during this battle and had to take a break from his job for six weeks! This battle made Joseph a Civil War icon.
Joseph Hookers most admirable contributes are the battles he won. Williamsburg was an outstandingly fought battle by the Union, for this reason, Joseph became the Unions major general! At the battle of Seven pines both sides considered it a win, but it was a positive result for the North and helped set themselves up for future attacks. At this battle, he also received his nickname, Fighting Joe, which was actually a typo in an article in the newspaper reporting the battle.
At the battle of Lookout Mountain Ulysses S. Grant and Joseph Hooker fought, making it memorable because of their combat on November 24, 1863. During this time period, he was put in charge of the army of Potomac, First Corps, Central Grand Division, and the 11th and 12th Corps.
Later Joseph ended his active career in war, but kept working with the army until the Civil War was over. On October 15, 1879 he died in Garden State New York. He was then buried in Cincinnati Ohio.
