James Henry Carleton was an officer in the Union army during the Civil War. Carleton is most famous as an Indian fighter in the southwestern United States.
Carleton was born of December 27, 1814 in Lubec, Maine. He took part in the Aroostook War and Mexican-American War. He served in the 1st Dragoons in the American West.
In 1861 Carleton raised and was appointed colonel of the 1st California Volunteer Regiment. He led the so called California Column across California, Arizona, Texas and into New Mexico. Along the way the Californians fought the Battle of Picacho Pass and after the Battle of Apache Pass, Carleton founded Fort Bowie . Carleton linked up with Union forces under Colonel Edward Canby in New Mexico. After the Confederate threat to New Mexico was eliminated, Candy and many of the Union forces were sent to the east. In April, 1862 Carleton was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and appointed to command the Department of New Mexico.
During his time as department commander Carleton was primarily concerned with Indian threats. Carleton's primary field commander was Colonel Kit Carson. Carleton campaigned relentlessly against the Indians. He was a harsh commander but was well respected by his men. Carleton's campaigning brought the Navajo to an end and an expedition led by Carson brought about the largest Indian surrender at Canyon de Chelly. Carleton next sent Carson on an expedition to rid the southwest of Indian raids which resulted in the Battle of Adobe Walls. He was appointed brevet major general in the regular army in 1865 and the Civil War ended the same year. He retained command of his volunteer troops until 1866 when U.S. Regulars took over in the west. Carleton served as a lieutenant colonel of the 4th U.S. Cavalry after the war.
He wrote several books on the military and had a book published on the Battle of Buena Vista. He died on January 7, 1873 in San Antonio, Texas.
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