R. C. Buchanan

Federal (USA)

Lieutenant Colonel

Robert Christie Buchanan

"Old Buck"

(1811 - 1878)

Home State: Maryland

Education: US Military Academy, West Point, NY, Class of 1830

Command Billet: Brigade Commander

Branch of Service: Infantry

Unit: 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps

see his Battle Report

Before Antietam

He graduated from the USMA in 1830 served in the Black Hawk Seminole and Mexican Wars and on garrison duty. In 1861 he was Captain in the 4th US Infantry was promoted to LCol. and commanded the 1st Brigade/2nd Division/V Corps in the Seven Days and at Second Manassas.

On the Campaign

He continued in command of the 1st Brigade of the Second Division/Fifth (V) Corps.

The rest of the War

He led the Brigade at Fredericksburg, and in November 1862 was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers, but was not confirmed by the Senate because of his association with Fitz John Porter. He later commanded the defenses at Fort Delaware, and was Colonel of the 1st US Infantry.

After the War

He continued in career Army service commanding the Department of Louisiana and retired in 1870.

References & notes

Photo above courtesy AotW member Tim Reese - from the U.S. National Archives.