If you tried to name some of the famous generals in U.S. history you probably wouldn't mention William Selby Harney. Yet he was very well know in his time and was somewhat of a celebrity. He spent most of his life serving the country in various capacities.
His service to the United States began in 1818 as a second lieutenant. He began his military career in Louisiana helping remove the smugglers (including Jean Lafitte) operating in the Gulf of Mexico. He then moved on to the Upper Midwest working with the Native Americans, helping to build Fort Winnebago in Portage, Wisconsin and serving in the Black Hawk War. Next came the First Seminole War in Florida, where Harney distinguished himself by being a cool headed leader and developed successful techniques to hunt the Seminoles. He then served in the Mexican War, where he lead a bold attack up the bluffs of El Telégrafo and La Atabery. This again earned him fame and notoriety. The next few years were spent helping keep the peace in Texas and working with the First Dragoons. Harney then led the Battle of Ash Hollow where he was both cursed and praised for his actions. He then spent some time on the Great Plains helping negotiate treaties with several tribes of Native Americans. Harney was then recalled to Florida to help out in the Second and Third Seminole Wars. By the 1850's Harney was again in the Great Plains helping keep the peace in Kansas and helping to end a dispute with the Mormons in Utah. He was then placed in charge of the Department of Oregon and worked to build roads, settle the Native American disputes and almost caused a war with Great Britain because of a dispute on San Juan Island. Returning to Missouri, Harney tried to keep the state out of the Civil War. He worked with both the Southern and Northern factions in the state trying to keep the peace and avoid having Missouri torn apart by war. During the Civil War, Harney spent his time near St. Louis in semi-retirement. When the war was over the United States again called upon Harney to help negotiate treaties with tribes through out the Great Plains and West as a Peace Commissioner. By the 1870's, Harney finally was able to retire and live his remaining years near St. Louis and in Mississippi.
Harney befriended, worked with and served along with many famous Americans. Their names include Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, General Twiggs, General Kerney, General Scott, General Jackson, Father Jean DeSmet, General Sherman, Kit Carson, and others.
His life was dedicated to service to his country at the cost of his personal relationships and family. He spent almost 60 years in the Army at various posts and in numerous positions. He is probably one of the least recognized Generals in the history of the United States, yet career men like Harney helped shape the United States and contributed much to our history.
Through out the United States many landmarks were named to honor the General. There is Lake Harney in Florida, Harney Peak in South Dakota (the tallest point in the state), Harney County Oregon, and many schools and roads.
Peace commissioners meet at Fort Laramie in 1868 to negotiate a treaty with the Lakota.
Seated in the tent are General William S. Harney (with white beard)
and General William Tecumseh Sherman (head bowed at Harney's left).
(National Archives [#111-SC-87316])
Fort Laramie Treaty
If you are interested in learning more about General Harney please visit my Harney Links page.
There is also a great new book called "Prince of Dragoons" written by G.Rollie Adams available on Amazon.com.
Rollie is the 'expert' on the life of the General and offers many insights to his life and military service. He also includes many interesting views on the history of the Army, the settling of the United States and our dealings with the Native Americans. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in pre-Civil War history