What were George B. McClellan's primary roles in American history?

George B. McClellan served as the 24th Governor of New Jersey from 1878 to 1881, and as the Commanding General of the United States Army from November 1861 to March 1862. He was also a prominent military officer, engineer, and railroad executive.

When and where was George B. McClellan born, and who were his parents?

George Brinton McClellan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 3, 1826. He was the son of George McClellan, a surgeon and founder of Jefferson Medical College, and Elizabeth Sophia Steinmetz Brinton McClellan.

What was McClellan's early educational path before attending West Point?

McClellan initially intended to study medicine and attended a private academy, followed by a preparatory school for the University of Pennsylvania. He enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 1840 at the age of 14, initially intending to study law.

How did McClellan gain admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point?

McClellan changed his career goal to military service after two years at the University of Pennsylvania. With the assistance of a letter from his father to President John Tyler, he was accepted into West Point in 1842, with the academy waiving its minimum age requirement.

What were McClellan's academic achievements at West Point?

At West Point, McClellan was an energetic and ambitious cadet, influenced by the strategic principles of Dennis Hart Mahan and Antoine-Henri Jomini. He graduated in 1846, ranking second in his class of 59 cadets.

What military conflict saw McClellan's first assignment after West Point?

McClellan's first assignment after graduating from West Point was during the Mexican-American War, where he served as an engineering officer.

What were some of the key lessons McClellan learned during the Mexican-American War?

During the Mexican-American War, McClellan learned the effectiveness of flanking movements over frontal assaults, the importance of siege operations, and the value of maintaining good relations with the civilian population. He also developed a disdain for volunteer soldiers and officers lacking discipline.

What military rank did McClellan achieve for his service in the Mexican-American War?

McClellan was appointed a brevet first lieutenant for his services at the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco, and a brevet captain for his service at the Battle of Chapultepec.

What significant military manual did McClellan translate and publish during his peacetime service?

In the fall of 1852, McClellan published a manual on bayonet tactics that he had translated from French, which was later reissued as a manual for the U.S. Army.

What role did McClellan play in the Pacific Railroad surveys?

In 1853, McClellan participated in the Pacific Railroad surveys, ordered by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, to find a route for the transcontinental railroad. He surveyed the western portion of the northern corridor.

What was McClellan's experience during the Crimean War?

In 1855, McClellan served as an official observer of European armies in the Crimean War as part of the Delafield Commission. He observed the siege of Sevastopol and interacted with high-ranking military officials and royalty.

What military equipment design is attributed to McClellan?

The U.S. Army adopted McClellan's design for a saddle, known as the McClellan Saddle, which became standard issue for U.S. horse cavalry and is still used for ceremonial purposes.

What was McClellan's political affiliation and activity before the Civil War?

McClellan was a member of the Democratic Party and actively supported Stephen A. Douglas's presidential campaign in the 1860 election.

When did McClellan first enter federal service at the start of the Civil War, and in what capacity?

At the start of the Civil War in 1861, McClellan accepted command of the Ohio militia on April 23, 1861, and re-entered federal service on May 3 as commander of the Department of the Ohio.

What was McClellan's initial strategic proposal to General Winfield Scott?

McClellan proposed two alternatives for Union strategy: one involving an invasion of Virginia towards Richmond via the Kanawha Valley, and another crossing into Kentucky and Tennessee. Scott rejected both as logistically unfeasible, favoring a plan to control the Mississippi River and blockade Southern ports, which became known as the Anaconda Plan.

What was McClellan's first significant military operation in Western Virginia?

McClellan led Union forces into Northwestern Virginia to secure the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and protect unionist sentiment. This campaign included the Battle of Philippi and the Battle of Rich Mountain, resulting in Union victories.

What controversy arose from McClellan's proclamation to citizens in Western Virginia regarding slavery?

McClellan proclaimed that his forces would not interfere with personal property, including slaves, and would crush any slave insurrection. This statement, while aligned with the administration's policy at the time, was seen by some as overstepping his military role.

How did McClellan become General-in-Chief of the Union armies?

Following Winfield Scott's retirement on November 1, 1861, McClellan was appointed general-in-chief of all Union armies, taking on the dual role of commanding the Army of the Potomac and directing overall Union strategy.

What were some of the criticisms leveled against McClellan's command during the winter of 1861-1862?

Critics, including the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, questioned McClellan's slowness to attack Confederate forces near Washington. His subordinates' testimony about their lack of knowledge of specific strategies also raised calls for his dismissal.

How did McClellan's personal relationship with President Lincoln deteriorate?

McClellan privately referred to Lincoln disparagingly as a 'well-meaning baboon' and a 'gorilla.' He also famously snubbed Lincoln by making him wait for 30 minutes at his residence before being told McClellan had gone to bed.

What was McClellan's strategic plan for capturing Richmond in early 1862?

McClellan proposed transporting the Army of the Potomac by ship to Urbanna, Virginia, on the Rappahannock River, to outflank Confederate forces near Washington and advance overland to capture Richmond. This plan was eventually approved by Lincoln, though with modifications.

What unforeseen events forced McClellan to alter his Peninsula Campaign plan?

Confederate forces under Joseph E. Johnston withdrew, nullifying the Urbanna strategy. McClellan then revised his plan to disembark at Fort Monroe and advance up the Virginia Peninsula. The appearance of the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia also raised concerns about naval operations on the James River.

What were the 'Quaker Guns' used by Confederate forces, and what was their impact?

'Quaker Guns' were logs painted black to resemble cannons. Their use by Confederate forces to deceive the Union Army about their strength contributed to criticism of McClellan's intelligence gathering and planning.

What was the outcome of the Peninsula Campaign for McClellan?

The Peninsula Campaign, intended to capture Richmond, ultimately failed. Despite reaching within four miles of the city, McClellan's army was forced to withdraw after the Seven Days Battles, leading to his removal from command of the Army of the Potomac.

Why is the Battle of Antietam considered a turning point in the Civil War?

Antietam is considered a turning point because it ended Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North and provided President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which dissuaded European powers from recognizing the Confederacy.

What led to McClellan's removal as commander of the Army of the Potomac in November 1862?

McClellan was removed from command due to his failure to aggressively pursue Lee's army after the Battle of Antietam, despite the Union's strategic victory.

What was McClellan's role in the 1864 presidential election?

McClellan was nominated by the Democratic Party to run against incumbent President Abraham Lincoln. He ran on a platform of continuing the war and restoring the Union, but not abolishing slavery.

What factors contributed to McClellan's defeat in the 1864 presidential election?

McClellan's candidacy was hampered by internal party divisions, Lincoln's strong appeal (especially with military voters), and Union military successes in the fall of 1864. He also had to repudiate his party's platform calling for an immediate end to the war.

What positions did McClellan hold after the Civil War?

After the war, McClellan worked in engineering and railroad management. He served as chief engineer of the New York City Department of Docks and as president of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad. He was later elected Governor of New Jersey.

What was McClellan's stance on slavery, both during and after the war?

During the war, McClellan was privately opposed to emancipation, viewing slavery as constitutionally protected. He expressed a personal prejudice against Black people but also wrote that he would use his sword to improve their condition if successful. After the war, his political platform opposed the abolition of slavery.

How was McClellan received by the public and his troops during his Civil War commands?

McClellan was often hailed as a hero by the public and was very popular with his troops, who affectionately called him 'Little Mac.' He was praised for his organizational abilities and for boosting army morale.

What was Robert E. Lee's assessment of George B. McClellan as a military commander?

Confederate General Robert E. Lee considered McClellan to be the ablest Union general, stating, 'McClellan, by all odds!'

What are some of the criticisms and defenses of McClellan's military leadership?

Critics often point to McClellan's caution, perceived slowness, and failure to decisively defeat Confederate armies as reasons for his low ranking among Civil War commanders. Supporters argue that he was undermined by radical Republicans, that historical accounts were biased against him, and that his conciliatory stance towards the South was misinterpreted.

What specific military operations or battles is McClellan most associated with?

McClellan is most associated with the Peninsula Campaign, the Maryland Campaign, and the Battle of Antietam. He also commanded the Army of the Potomac and served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army.

What was McClellan's role as Governor of New Jersey?

As Governor of New Jersey, McClellan advocated for relief from the Panic of 1873, supported cautious spending leading to a state tax cut, and worked to improve the state's National Guard. His administration was generally marked by caution and conservatism.

What happened to McClellan's memoirs after his death?

McClellan's memoirs, titled 'McClellan's Own Story,' were published posthumously in 1887. The published version included excerpts from his wartime letters to his wife, revealing his innermost feelings and opinions.

Who were McClellan's children, and what were their careers?

McClellan had a son, George B. McClellan Jr., who became a politician and served as Mayor of New York City. His daughter, Mary, married a French diplomat and lived abroad.

What geographic features and establishments have been named in honor of George B. McClellan?

Several places and structures are named for McClellan, including Fort McClellan in Alabama, McClellan Butte and McClellan Peak in Washington state, the McClellan Gate at Arlington National Cemetery, and McClellan Park in Maine. There are also equestrian statues honoring him in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

What was the significance of the 'Lost Order' discovered during the Maryland Campaign?

The 'Lost Order,' Special Order 191, revealed the dispersed configuration of Lee's army, making it vulnerable. McClellan's discovery of this order gave him a significant intelligence advantage, though historians debate how quickly he acted upon it.

What was McClellan's nickname, and who gave it to him?

McClellan was often called 'Little Mac' by his troops and 'The Young Napoleon' or 'The Little Napoleon' by the press, reflecting his perceived strategic brilliance and youthful appearance.

What was the outcome of the Battle of South Mountain for Lee's invasion plans?

The Union victory at the Battle of South Mountain ruined Robert E. Lee's plans to invade Pennsylvania and shifted the initiative away from the Confederate commander, forcing him to concentrate his forces at Sharpsburg, Maryland.

How did McClellan's perceived caution influence his command decisions?

McClellan was convinced he was outnumbered by Confederate forces, even when he held a numerical advantage. This perception led to extreme caution, delaying offensives and sapping the initiative of his army, which dismayed the government.

What was McClellan's stance on the Anaconda Plan proposed by Winfield Scott?

McClellan rejected the tenets of Scott's Anaconda Plan, favoring instead a grand, decisive battle in the Napoleonic style, believing it would crush the Confederacy more quickly.

What role did McClellan's father play in his early career?

McClellan's father, George McClellan, was a prominent surgeon and founder of Jefferson Medical College. His influence helped secure McClellan's admission to West Point by writing to President John Tyler.

What was the nature of McClellan's relationship with his West Point friends who later became Confederate generals?

McClellan's closest friends at West Point included future Confederate generals like George Pickett, Dabney Maury, Cadmus Wilcox, and A. P. Hill. These associations provided McClellan with what he considered an understanding of the 'southern mind' and the sectional differences leading to the Civil War.

What was the significance of McClellan's report on the Crimean War?

McClellan's report on the Crimean War contained a critical analysis of the siege of Sevastopol and a detailed description of European military systems. It was published and placed him in demand as the Union mobilized for war.

How did McClellan's political views influence his military command?

McClellan's conservative Democratic views, including his opposition to emancipation and his desire for reconciliation with the South, sometimes put him at odds with the more radical elements of the Lincoln administration and influenced his strategic decisions.

What was the outcome of the 1877 New Jersey gubernatorial election for McClellan?

McClellan was nominated by the Democratic Party for Governor of New Jersey in 1877. He won the election against Republican William A. Newell, largely due to his personal popularity.

What was McClellan's final political endorsement?

In 1884, McClellan strongly supported Grover Cleveland's presidential campaign. He was interested in a cabinet position but was blocked by Senator John R. McPherson.

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George Brinton McClellan
1861 portrait
24th Governor of New Jersey
In office January 15, 1878 – January 18, 1881
Preceded by	Joseph D. Bedle
Succeeded by	George C. Ludlow
Commanding General of the U.S. Army
In office November 1, 1861 – March 11, 1862
President	Abraham Lincoln
Preceded by	Winfield Scott
Succeeded by	Edwin Stanton
Personal Details
Born	George Brinton McClellan December 3, 1826 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	October 29, 1885 (aged 58) West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Resting place	Riverview Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Ellen Mary Marcy (m. 1860)
Children	2 (incl. George Jr.)
Education	University of Pennsylvania United States Military Academy (BS)
Signature
Nicknames	Little Mac Young Napoleon The Little Napoleon
Military Service
Allegiance	United States (Union)
Branch	United States Army
Years of service	1846–1857, 1861–1864
Rank	Major General
Commands	Department of the Ohio Army of the Potomac
Battles/Wars	Mexican-American War Crimean War (observer) American Civil War (incl. Peninsula Campaign, Antietam)

Biographical Overview

George Brinton McClellan (1826–1885) was a distinguished American military officer, engineer, and politician. His career spanned significant periods of American development, from the Mexican-American War to the Civil War and his later service as Governor of New Jersey. Educated at West Point, McClellan initially served with distinction in engineering roles before transitioning to civilian life as a railroad executive. His military acumen and organizational skills were widely recognized, particularly during the early stages of the Civil War.

Professional Trajectory

McClellan's early career was marked by military service and engineering. After graduating second in his class from West Point, he served in the Mexican-American War, earning commendations for bravery and engineering contributions. His peacetime service included significant roles in railroad development, culminating in executive positions with major rail companies. This experience honed his logistical and organizational talents, which would later prove crucial in mobilizing the Union Army.

Mexican-American War

Early Combat Experience

McClellan's military career commenced with service in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). As a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, he participated in key engagements such as Contreras and Churubusco, earning brevet promotions for gallantry. His experiences during this conflict, including exposure to disease and observations of military strategy, significantly shaped his understanding of warfare and leadership.

Peacetime Pursuits

Following the war, McClellan engaged in various peacetime duties, including surveying expeditions and the development of military manuals. He resigned from the Army in 1857 to pursue a career in the burgeoning railroad industry. His roles as chief engineer and vice president of the Illinois Central Railroad and later president of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad demonstrated his aptitude for management and logistics, skills he would later leverage during the Civil War.

The Civil War Command

Forging the Army of the Potomac

At the outset of the Civil War in 1861, McClellan was appointed Major General and tasked with organizing the Union Army of Northeastern Virginia, which he soon transformed into the formidable Army of the Potomac. His ability to instill discipline, improve morale, and create robust defensive fortifications around Washington D.C. earned him widespread admiration and the nickname "Young Napoleon." However, his cautious strategic approach and perceived delays in offensive actions began to create friction with the Lincoln administration.

Peninsula Campaign Strategy

McClellan's grand strategy for the war involved a massive amphibious landing on the Virginia Peninsula, aiming to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond. Despite assembling an impressive force, the Peninsula Campaign (March–July 1862) was characterized by slow advances and a failure to decisively engage and destroy the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee during the Seven Days Battles. This campaign, while demonstrating McClellan's logistical prowess, ultimately ended in a strategic withdrawal and further strained his relationship with President Lincoln.

Maryland Campaign

Discovery and Pursuit

Following the Union defeat at the Second Battle of Bull Run, McClellan was reinstated to command. He was tasked with intercepting General Lee's first invasion of the North into Maryland. The discovery of Lee's lost orders (Special Order 191) provided McClellan with a critical intelligence advantage, revealing the dispersed nature of the Confederate forces. Despite this, historical analysis suggests a delay in his response, allowing Lee to consolidate his army.

Battle of Antietam

The Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862) remains the single bloodiest day in American military history. McClellan's Army of the Potomac faced Lee's Army of Northern Virginia in a tactically inconclusive but strategically significant engagement. While McClellan's forces held a numerical advantage, his inability to effectively coordinate attacks and commit reserves prevented a decisive Union victory. Despite the heavy casualties on both sides, Lee's withdrawal back into Virginia allowed President Lincoln to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, fundamentally altering the war's objectives.

Political Aspirations

1864 Presidential Bid

After being removed from command following the Antietam campaign, McClellan became the Democratic Party's nominee for President in 1864. Running against incumbent Abraham Lincoln, McClellan's platform advocated for peace negotiations with the Confederacy, a stance that conflicted with the party's official platform and his own military background. Despite his popularity among soldiers, he lost the election, partly due to internal party divisions and Union military successes in the latter half of the year.

Governor of New Jersey

In his postwar years, McClellan transitioned to civilian life, eventually serving as the 24th Governor of New Jersey from 1878 to 1881. His gubernatorial term was marked by a focus on fiscal conservatism, tax reduction, and improvements to state infrastructure and the National Guard. Despite initial political challenges, his administration implemented policies that were generally popular, though his influence was sometimes curtailed by partisan legislative opposition.

Later Life and Legacy

Post-War Activities

Following his military and political careers, McClellan spent time traveling in Europe. He continued his involvement in engineering projects and was offered, but declined, the presidency of the University of California. His final years were dedicated to writing his memoirs, McClellan's Own Story, a posthumously published work where he vigorously defended his wartime conduct and strategic decisions.

Historical Assessment

McClellan's legacy remains a subject of considerable historical debate. While universally praised for his organizational skills and his ability to inspire troops, his strategic caution and perceived reluctance to engage in decisive battles have led to mixed assessments of his military leadership. Some historians argue that political opposition and inadequate support hampered his efforts, while others contend that his strategic timidity cost the Union valuable opportunities. His life and career offer a complex study in leadership, ambition, and the challenges of command during a nation's most critical period.

Selected Works

Scholarly and Military Publications

McClellan authored and contributed to numerous significant works, reflecting his diverse expertise in military strategy, engineering, and historical analysis. These writings provide valuable insights into his operational philosophies and his perspective on the events he experienced.

The Mexican War Diary of George B. McClellan
Manual of Bayonet Exercise (Translator)
The Armies of Europe
European Cavalry
Exploration of the Red River of Louisiana (with R. B. Marcy)
Regulations and Instructions for the Field Service of the United States Cavalry
McClellan's Own Story: The War for the Union
The Life, Campaigns, and Public Services of General George B McClellan
The Democratic Platform, General McClellan's Letter of Acceptance
The Army of the Potomac, General McClellan's Report
Report of Major General George B McClellan, Upon the Organization of the Army of the Potomac
Letter of the Secretary of War by George Brinton McClellan
West Point Battle Monument, History of the Project... (Oration)

Military Rank Progression

Service Chronology

McClellan's military career progressed through various ranks, reflecting his service in different capacities and conflicts. The following table outlines the key dates of his commissions and promotions.

Dates of Rank
Rank	Component	Date
Brevet 2nd Lieutenant	Regular Army	July 2, 1846
2nd Lieutenant	Regular Army	April 24, 1847
Brevet 1st Lieutenant	Regular Army	August 20, 1847
Brevet Captain	Regular Army	September 13, 1847
1st Lieutenant	Regular Army	July 1, 1853
Captain	Regular Army (resigned Jan 16, 1857)	March 4, 1855
Major General	Volunteers	April 23, 1861
Major General	Regular Army (resigned Nov 8, 1864)	May 14, 1861

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References

Partial Genealogy of the McClellans, CLP Research

Rowland, Leaders, p. 260; Rafuse, p. 36. McClellan's friend James Stuart was a South Carolinian killed skirmishing with Indians in 1851.

Rafuse, pp. 47â49; Rowland, Leaders, pp. 260â61; Sears, Young Napoleon, pp. 16â17.

Thorp, Gene (September 7. 2012) "In defense of McClellan at Antietam: A contrarian view" The Washington Post

New York Times, March 16, 1877

New York Times, January 5, 1878.

A full list of references for this article are available at the George B. McClellan Wikipedia page

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George B. McClellan

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👤 Biographical Overview

💼 Professional Trajectory

Mexican-American War 🇲🇽

⚔️ Early Combat Experience

🚂 Peacetime Pursuits

The Civil War Command 🇺🇸

🛡️ Forging the Army of the Potomac

🗺️ Peninsula Campaign Strategy

Maryland Campaign 🦅

📜 Discovery and Pursuit

🩸 Battle of Antietam

Political Aspirations 🗳️

🇺🇸 1864 Presidential Bid

🏛️ Governor of New Jersey

Later Life and Legacy ⏳

🌍 Post-War Activities

⚖️ Historical Assessment

Selected Works 📚

📖 Scholarly and Military Publications

Military Rank Progression 🎖️

📅 Service Chronology

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

Professional Trajectory

Mexican-American War

Early Combat Experience

Peacetime Pursuits

The Civil War Command

Forging the Army of the Potomac

Peninsula Campaign Strategy

Maryland Campaign

Discovery and Pursuit

Battle of Antietam

Political Aspirations

1864 Presidential Bid

Governor of New Jersey

Later Life and Legacy

Post-War Activities

Historical Assessment

Selected Works

Scholarly and Military Publications

Military Rank Progression

Service Chronology

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice