General Buford: A Guide to His Life, Accomplishments, and Legacy

Introduction

General John Buford, a Union cavalry commander during the American Civil War, played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg. His strategic decisions and bold actions shaped the course of the battle and, ultimately, the war.

Early Life and Career

Buford was born on March 4, 1826, in Winchester, Kentucky. He graduated from West Point in 1848 and served with distinction in the Mexican-American War. After the war, he spent time on the frontier and rose to the rank of captain.

Civil War Service

The Battle of Gettysburg:
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Buford joined the Union army. He commanded the 1st Cavalry Division under General Joseph Hooker. In June 1863, Buford's cavalry engaged Confederate forces near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His scouts detected the advance of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and alerted General Meade, the Union commander. Buford's division delayed the Confederate advance, giving the Union army time to prepare for the battle.

Day 1 of Gettysburg (July 1):
On July 1, Buford's cavalry engaged Confederate infantry under General Richard Ewell at McPherson's Ridge. Buford's dismounted cavalrymen fought valiantly, holding their ground against overwhelming odds. His actions prevented the Confederates from capturing the critical high ground.

Day 2 of Gettysburg (July 2):
On July 2, Buford's cavalry supported the Union infantry as they repulsed Confederate attacks on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Ridge. His cavalry skirmishes also prevented Lee from sending reinforcements to his hard-pressed troops.

Day 3 of Gettysburg (July 3):
On July 3, Buford's cavalry pursued retreating Confederate forces and harassed their rearguard. He captured prisoners and collected valuable intelligence.

Post-Gettysburg Career

Following the Battle of Gettysburg, Buford continued to lead his cavalry division with distinction. He fought in numerous battles throughout the war, including the Battle of the Wilderness and the Battle of Cold Harbor.

After the war, Buford served as a military governor in Kentucky and Alabama. He died suddenly at the age of 42 in 1867.

Legacy

General John Buford is remembered as one of the most skilled cavalry commanders of the Civil War. His bold actions at Gettysburg played a crucial role in the Union victory. Buford's legacy continues to inspire military leaders today.

Accomplishments

• Graduated from West Point (1848)
• Served with distinction in the Mexican-American War
• Commanded the 1st Cavalry Division during the Civil War
• Played a key role in the Battle of Gettysburg
• Fought in numerous other battles throughout the war
• Served as a military governor in Kentucky and Alabama

Impact of Buford's Gettysburg Campaign

• Delayed the Confederate advance: Buford's cavalry skirmishes delayed Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, giving the Union army time to prepare for the battle.
• Prevented the Confederates from capturing McPherson's Ridge: Buford's dismounted cavalrymen held their ground against overwhelming odds, denying the Confederates a critical high ground.
• Supported the Union infantry: Buford's cavalry supported the Union infantry as they repulsed Confederate attacks on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Ridge.
• Harassed retreating Confederate forces: After the battle, Buford's cavalry pursued retreating Confederate forces and captured prisoners.

Statistics

• Number of troops commanded by Buford at Gettysburg: Approximately 8,000
• Number of casualties during the Battle of Gettysburg (Union cavalry): Approximately 1,000
• Estimated total Union cavalry casualties in the Civil War: Approximately 35,000
• Percentage of Union cavalry casualties in the Battle of Gettysburg: Approximately 3%

Tables

Table 1: Buford's Cavalry Divisions

Table 2: Union Cavalry Casualties at Gettysburg

Table 3: Buford's Military Career

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When studying General Buford and his role in the Battle of Gettysburg, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Underestimating the importance of cavalry in the battle: Cavalry played a crucial role in scouting, raiding, and fighting throughout the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Overstating the role of Buford alone: While Buford's actions were important, he was part of a larger team of Union commanders who contributed to the victory.
• Ignoring the contributions of other cavalry commanders: Other Union cavalry commanders, such as George Custer and David Gregg, also played significant roles in the battle.
• Assuming that cavalry was only used for scouting: Cavalry was also used for raiding, fighting, and pursuing retreating enemies.

Step-by-Step Approach to Understanding Buford's Legacy

To gain a comprehensive understanding of General John Buford's legacy, you can follow these steps:

1. Read historical accounts of the Battle of Gettysburg: This will provide you with a context for Buford's actions.
2. Examine maps of the battle: This will help you understand the strategic significance of Buford's decisions.
3. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park: This will allow you to see the battlefields firsthand and gain a better appreciation of Buford's accomplishments.
4. Read Buford's own writings: This will give you insights into his thoughts and motivations.
5. Attend lectures and presentations by historians: This will allow you to learn from experts in the field.

FAQs

Q1: What was General Buford's most significant contribution to the Battle of Gettysburg?

A1: Buford's most significant contribution was delaying the Confederate advance and preventing them from capturing McPherson's Ridge.

Q2: How many cavalry troops did Buford command at Gettysburg?

A2: Approximately 8,000 cavalry troops.

Q3: What is Buford's legacy?

A3: Buford is remembered as one of the most skilled cavalry commanders of the Civil War. His bold actions at Gettysburg played a crucial role in the Union victory.

Q4: What is the importance of studying General Buford?

A4: Studying General Buford helps us to understand the crucial role of cavalry in the Civil War and the importance of bold leadership in battle.

Q5: What are some common misconceptions about General Buford?

A5: Some common misconceptions include underestimating the importance of cavalry, overstating the role of Buford alone, and ignoring the contributions of other cavalry commanders.

Q6: How can I learn more about General Buford?

A6: You can read historical accounts, examine maps, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, read Buford's own writings, and attend lectures by historians.