Major General George Henry Thomas
(1816-1870)
United States Army
Accession number:
1901.01
Maker:
Brigadier General Samuel Woodson Price
(1828-1918)
Historical period:
ca. 1901
Miltary branch:
Army
Wars and Conflicts:
Civil War, Mexican-American War
Type:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
H x W: 30 in. / 25 in.
Acquisition date:
1901
Credit line:
Gift of Colonel W.L. Brown, New York
Location:
Parade, Second Floor
Provenance:
From 13 May 1901: The Army and Navy Club, gift of Colonel W.L. Brown
Label:
Major General Thomas, a Virginian, served in the Mexican-American War in the western theatre. During the Battle of Chickamauga In 1863, he earned the nickname "Rock of Chickamauga" for his stout defense that saved the Union Army from being completely routed. This was followed by victories in the Battle of Chattanooga and the Battle of Nashville. He served against the Seminole Indians in Florida, Mexicans in Texas, and Kiowa Indians in Colorado. After the Civil War he chose to remain with the Western Army. He had close relationships with General Sherman, dating to their time as West Point roommates, and General Robert E. Lee, dating to their service together on the West Point faculty.
Fort Thomas was named in his honor, now the city of Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Thomas Circle in Washington, D.C. is also named in his honor.