Old Swedes in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson
— Old Swedes Churchyard Walking Tour —
In 1862, he transferred to Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's army, serving in staff and engineering positions.
He was promoted to staff Lieutenant Colonel and Inspector General of the Army of Tennessee. He took part in the Vicksburg campaign. In 1863 he was promoted to Brigadier General and given command of a cavalry division in the Army of the Potomac. Because of his successes, he was promoted to commander of Sherman's cavalry, leading the largest cavalry ever assembled in America in the capture of Selma AL. His troops are credited with the capture of Jeff Davis, President of the Confederacy.
He resigned his commission in 1870 and had a career in railroading, but returned to military service during the Spanish-American War and again during the Boxcar Rebellion.
After the Boxcar Rebellion he retired to Wilmington to write his autobiography, Under the Old Flag. He died in 1925 — one of the last surviving Union Generals.
[Caption:]
James H. Wilson was born in 1837 in Shawneetown, Illinois. He graduated from West Point in 1860 and was stationed at Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory.
Erected by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America of the State of Delaware. (Marker Number 24.)
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Location. 39° 44.324′ N, 75° 32.437′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Old Swedes. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Church Street (U.S. 13) and East 7th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 612 N Church St, Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Revolutionary War Patriots in the Old Swedes Churchyard (a few steps from this marker); Holy Trinity Church (a few steps from this marker); Iron Letters on the Church (a few steps from this marker); Stidham Family (a few steps from this marker); "M. B." Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas and Ann Cole (within
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
