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Wilson, James Harrison, 1837-1925

 Person

Biographical Note

Born in Illinois on September 2, 1837, James Harrison Wilson graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1860. After receiving his commission, Wilson was assigned as an assistant topographical engineer at Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory. During the Civil War, Wilson initially served as a Union Army topographic engineer. He later served as an aide to General George B. McClellan before joining the staff of General Grant in the Western Theater in November 1862. Promoted to brigadier general, Wilson in 1864 transferred to the cavalry. He is credited with being in command of the forces that captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Andersonville Prison commandant Henry Wirz at the end of the war. After the war, Wilson worked as a railroad engineer and official and devoted a great deal of time to writing on various subjects, most of his books relating to military matters and world events. In later years, he would serve as a major general of volunteers during the Spanish-American War and in the Boxer Rebellion. James H. Wilson died on February 23, 1925.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Plate LXXVI

 Collection — Object 1
Identifier: Map-0046
Abstract Official records by the Department of War, concerning the "War of Rebellion." Maps include the following: "Map of portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, showing march of cavalry corps, military division of the Mississippi from March 22d to April 20th, 1865." "Map showing routes of marches of the army of Gen. W. T. Sherman from Atlanta, Ga. to Goldsborough, N.C." "Plat showing the battle-ground at Rivers' Bridge, Big Salkehatchie River, S. C." "Chart accompanying project for...
Dates: 1891-1895

Topographical map of Virginia

 Collection — Object 1
Identifier: Map-0058
Abstract Collection of 53 maps that combine to form a topographical representation of Virginia. These maps come from editions dating between 1891 and 1919, referring to surveys done between 1883 and 1918. Missing from the published document is an area between Floyd and Norfolk, along the North Carolina border. In this collection, at least one map, Christiansburg, is missing. It is possible that other maps within the state are missing. Most pieces of the map identify adjoining parts, some of which...
Dates: 1919

Topographical Maps of Virginia (42 Miscellaneous Maps)

 Class — Object 1
Identifier: Map-0093
Abstract

Collection is a group of miscellaneous topographical maps from various regions of Virginia. Maps come from several different sets, published in different decades.

Dates: 1886 - 1961; Majority of material found within 1941 - 1945

James H. Wilson Letter,

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2014-012
Abstract

Letter from retired Union Army Major General James H. Wilson to Gideon Welles, of New York, briefly discussing an overcoat and an impending visit.

Dates: 1894 - 1894

Additional filters:

Subject
Local/Regional History and Appalachian South 3
Maps (documents) 3
Virginia -- Maps 2
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Battlefields Maps 1