Edward Steptoe

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Lt. Col. Edward Jenner Steptoe
Lt. Col. Edward Jenner Steptoe

Edward Jenner Steptoe (1816 - April 17, 1865) was an officer in the United States Army who served in the Mexican-American War and the Indian Wars. He is primarily remembered for his defeat at the Battle of Pine Creek during the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-Paloos War. It was at Pine Creek where Steptoe and 164 men were ambushed by over 1000 Indian warriors.[1][2] The battle, and the subsequent (successful) retreat, is also known as "the Steptoe Disaster."[3]

Contents

[edit] History

Steptoe was born in Virginia and graduated from Westpoint on July 1, 1837. He first saw action in Florida fighting against the Seminoles. [4][5]

Subsequently, Steptoe fought extensively in the Mexican-American War where, initially at the rank of captain, he participated in The Siege of Vera Cruz, and fought in the Battles of Cerro Gordo, San Antonio Garita, Buena Vista, and Chapultepec. After Cerro Gordo he was promoted to brevet major, and following Chapultepec he was promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel.[6]

Subsequently, he was posted to Utah to deal with problems between Native Americans and white settlers. President Franklin Pierce offered Steptoe the governorship of the Utah Territory, to replace Brigham Young, but he turned down the offer.[7]

He retired due to ill health in 1861, and died four years later. He is buried in Lynchburg, Virginia, where his tombstone is marked: "Edward J. Steptoe, Lieut. Col., Army of the United States."

[edit] Geographic features named after Steptoe

[edit] References

  1. ^ Oregon volunteers battle the Walla Wallas and other tribes beginning on December 7, 1855, HistoryLink, 20 April 2008
  2. ^ Johnson, Randall A., May 17, 1858. The Ordeal of the Steptoe Command (HistoryLink.org essay No. 8123)
  3. ^ Keenan, Jerry. "Steptoe, Col. Edward Jenner." Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars 1492-1890 Santa Barbara, CA : ABC-CLIO, c1997 p. 223.
  4. ^ *Biography of Edward Steptoe (University of Utah — Utah History Encyclopedia)
  5. ^ Keenan, Jerry. "Steptoe, Col. Edward Jenner." Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars 1492-1890 Santa Barbara, CA : ABC-CLIO, c1997 p. 223.
  6. ^ *Biography of Edward Steptoe (University of Utah — Utah History Encyclopedia)
  7. ^ *Biography of Edward Steptoe (University of Utah — Utah History Encyclopedia)

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] Bibliography

  • Biographical Annals of the Civil Government of the United States. During its first century; from original and official sources. By Charles Lanman. Washington, DC: James Anglim, 1876.
  • Drake's Dictionary of American Biography. Including men of the time, containing nearly 10,000 notices of persons of both sexes, of native and foreign birth, who have been remarkable, or prominently connected with the arts, sciences, literature, politics, or history, of the American continent. By Francis S. Drake. Boston: James R. Osgood & Co., 1872.
  • Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars, 1492-1890. By Jerry Keenan. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 1997.