Howard Oliver is known for his successful career as an Officer in the U.S. Army & a General in the American Civil War.
EARLY LIFE
Howard Oliver was born on November 8, 1830 in Leeds, Maine. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Maine and later went on to attend Bowdoin College. Upon graduating from Bowdoin in 1850, Howard Oliver was appointed to West Point (the United States Military Academy). Oliver graduated from West Point in 1854, graduating fourth overall in his class of forty-six.
Later on, Howard Oliver returned to West Point for a while to work as an assistant professor in mathematics.
ARMY AND WAR EXPERIENCE
Throughout his career in the United States Army, Howard Oliver has been recognized as a unique and accomplished figure in the history of the Civil War. Oliver was known for his reputation as a courageous officer with great talent, intelligence, and efficiency.
In 1861, Howard Oliver was given the title of colonel of the 3rd Maine Volunteer Infantry. After commanding a brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run, Howard received a promotion to brigadier general later that year.
In 1862, while head of a brigade in the Union Second Corps, Howard Oliver suffered severe injury, losing his right arm at the battle of Seven Pines. Upon quick recovery, strength, and determination, Oliver soon returned to the battlefield, forming the Army's rear guard at Second Manassas. Just a few weeks later at the battle of Antietam, known as the bloodiest day in all of American history, Oliver took over command for the wounded division commander, John Sedgwick. Oliver would go on to retain his position as commander until the end of the year.
In 1863, after being promoted to major general, Howard Oliver took over as the leader of the XI Corps, replacing Franz Sigel.
In 1864, Oliver led the IV Corps through Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. Oliver was then selected to lead the Army of Tennessee. Howard would finish the war as a brigadier general in the Regular Army.
POSTWAR
Upon completion of the American Civil War, Howard Oliver returned home, where he would go on to stand as superintendent at West Point.
In 1893, Oliver received the Medal of Honor for his display of courage and bravery at the Battle of Seven Pines. The following year, Oliver retired from the United States Army as major general.
