Thomas Duncan (general)

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Brigadier General Thomas Duncan during the American Civil War
Brigadier General Thomas Duncan during the American Civil War

Thomas Duncan (April 14, 1819 – January 7, 1887) was a career officer in the U.S. Army, serving as a general during the American Civil War.

Duncan was born in Kaskaskia, Illinois. He began his military career at age 13, serving as a private in the Illinois Mounted Volunteers in 1832 during the Black Hawk War. In 1846, he was appointed from Illinois as a first lieutenant in the U. S. Mounted Rifles. He served during the Mexican-American War, and was engaged in the siege and surrender of Vera Cruz.

During the Civil War, he commanded Fort Craig in New Mexico, and was in charge of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry Regiment forces at the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico.

Following the war, he remained in the Regular Army. He became the commander of the 5th U.S. cavalry in July 1866. During this time, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody served as a scout for the regiment. Duncan later commanded the District of Nashville until September 1868. He then was ordered to the Department of the Platte, was stationed successively at Fort McPherson and Fort D. A. Russell, and was afterward in charge of the construction of Sidney Barracks. Lingering complications from his wound compelled him to be medically retired from active service in January 1873.

Though his permanent rank was lieutenant colonel, Thomas Duncan received several brevets, including that of brigadier general, for his services during the Civil War.

He died in 1887 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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