Wright, Horatio Governeur, 1829-1899
Dates
- Existence: 1820 - 1899
Biography
Horatio Gouverneur Wright (March 6, 1820 – July 2, 1899) was an engineer and general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He took command of the VI Corps in May 1864 following the death of General John Sedgwick. In this capacity, he was responsible for building the fortifications around Washington DC, and in the Overland Campaign he commanded the first troops to break through the Confederate defenses at Petersburg. After the war, he was involved in a number of engineering projects, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the completion of the Washington Monument, and served as Chief of Engineers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Sylvanus Thayer letter
Item 1
Identifier: Mss 858515
Mss 858515
Date(s):
1858-09-15
Scope and Contents
Six-page letter from Sylvanus Thayer to Horatio Governeur Wright, transmitting papers to be laid before the Secretary of War. Recommending also: Change of term from five to four years; detailed programs to be submitted to Special Board; appointment of a permanent Board of Improvement; competitive exams for admission; raising the standard of admission. All suggestions pertain to the US Military Academy at West Point. (copy). Another copy, filed with the above accompanied proceedings of...