19 Facts About Irvin McDowell

Irvin McDowell is best known for his defeat in the First Battle of Bull Run, the first large-scale battle of the American Civil War.

Irvin McDowell fought unsuccessfully against Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's troops during the Valley Campaign of 1862, and was blamed for contributing to the defeat of United States troops at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August.

Irvin McDowell was a cousin-in-law of John Buford, and his brother, John Adair McDowell, served as the first colonel of the 6th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

Irvin McDowell was commissioned a second lieutenant and posted to the 1st US Artillery.

Irvin McDowell was brevetted captain at Buena Vista and served in the Adjutant General's department after the war.

Between 1848 and 1861, McDowell generally served as a staff officer to higher-ranking military leaders, and developed experience in logistics and supply.

Irvin McDowell developed a close friendship with General Winfield Scott while serving on his staff.

Irvin McDowell served under future Confederate general Joseph E Johnston.

Irvin McDowell was promoted to brigadier general in the regular army on May 14,1861, and was given command of the Army of Northeastern Virginia on May 27.

Irvin McDowell became a division commander in the Army of the Potomac.

On March 14,1862, President Lincoln issued an order forming the army into corps and Irvin McDowell got command of the I Corps as well as a promotion to major general of volunteers.

Irvin McDowell was widely despised by his own troops who believed him to be in cahoots with the enemy.

Irvin McDowell escaped culpability by testifying against Major General Fitz John Porter, whom Pope court-martialed for alleged insubordination in that battle.

Pope and Irvin McDowell did not like each other, but Irvin McDowell tolerated serving under him with the full knowledge that he himself would remain a general after the war was over while Pope would revert to the rank of colonel.

In July 1864, Irvin McDowell was given command of the Department of the Pacific.

Irvin McDowell later commanded the Department of California from July 27,1865, to March 31,1868; briefly commanded the Fourth Military Department; then commanded the Department of the East from July 16,1868, to December 16,1872.

On December 16,1872, McDowell succeeded General George G Meade as commander of the Military Division of the South, and remained until June 30,1876.

In 1882, Congress imposed a mandatory retirement age of 64 for military officers, and Irvin McDowell retired on October 14 of that year.

Irvin McDowell is buried in San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio of San Francisco.