Quick Facts
Biography
Henry Brewerton (September 25, 1801 – April 17, 1879) was a career engineering officer in the United States Army, serving as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy and then as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early life and career
Henry Brewerton was born in New York City, New York. He lost his parents at a very early age, but, under the guardianship of Daniel D. Tompkins, entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated on July 1, 1819 5th in a class of 29 cadets and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant the same day. He was not yet 18 years old at the time of his commencement. After a brief tour at Rouses Point helping to survey and establish the 45th parallel along the border between the United States and Canada, Brewerton taught engineering at the academy. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant on January 1, 1825 and to captain on September 21, 1836.
He later worked as an engineer on seacoast defenses and on the construction of the National Road in Ohio. He returned to West Point as superintendent of the military academy in 1845. Replaced in 1852 by Robert E. Lee, Brewerton was promoted to major of engineers on August 23, 1856 after almost 19 years in the rank of captain.
Civil War service
At the outset of the conflict in April 1861, Brewerton was on an extended tour of Western Europe, Greece, Palestine, and Egypt, escorted by Zealous B. Tower. Promoted to lieutenant colonel, on August 6, 1861, Brewerton was thereafter superintending engineer of the fortifications and improvements of Baltimore Harbor, Fort Monroe, and Hampton Roads. He was promoted to colonel on April 22, 1864 and was breveted as a brigadier general at the war's close.
Brewerton retired on March 7, 1867 after more than 47 years active service, not including his almost 6 years as a cadet at West Point. He spent his last years in Delaware.
Brewerton is buried at the Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island.
His son George Douglas Brewerton was a noted painter, poet, and journalist.
Dates of Rank
- Cadet, USMA - July 25, 1813
- 2nd Lieutenant - July 1, 1819
- 1st Lieutenant - January 1, 1825
- Captain - September 21, 1836
- Major - August 23, 1856
- Colonel - April 22, 1864
- Brevet Brigadier General - March 13, 1865
- Retired - March 7, 1867