Known for his strategic brilliance in both the Civil War and the harrowing conflicts of the American West, General George Crook stands as one of the most significant military figures of his era. This distinguished career United States Army officer left an indelible mark on American history, navigating complex battlefields and later championing the rights of the very people he once fought. From the frontier outposts of California to the decisive campaigns of the Civil War and the intense Indian Wars, Crook’s journey was one of remarkable leadership and evolving perspectives.
Early Career and Frontier Beginnings
George Crook’s military career began after his graduation from West Point in 1852. He was assigned to the 4th U.S. Infantry as a brevet second lieutenant, serving in California from 1852 to 1861. His early years were spent on frontier duty in Oregon and northern California, where he engaged in numerous skirmishes against various Native American tribes. In 1856, he earned a promotion to first lieutenant, and the following year, he commanded the Pitt River Expedition, during which he was severely wounded by an Indian arrow in one of the several engagements. This period also saw him establish Fort Ter-Waw in what is now Klamath, California, laying the groundwork for a long and impactful military career.
Distinguished Service in the Civil War
With the onset of the Civil War, Crook’s skills were quickly recognized. Promoted to captain in 1860, he was ordered East in 1861 and soon made colonel of the 36th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His rise was swift and marked by significant contributions:
Maryland and Western Campaigns
- On September 7, 1862, Crook was promoted to brigadier general.
- He commanded a brigade of Ohio regiments during crucial battles of the Maryland Campaign, including South Mountain and Antietam.
- Following this, George Crook was assigned command of the Kanawha Division, which joined the Army of the Cumberland in the Western Theater.
- He participated in the strategic Battle of Chattanooga in Tennessee and the intense Chickamauga Campaign.
Return to the East and Final Campaigns
Returning to the East in the spring of 1864, Crook continued to distinguish himself. He led a successful raid on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and played a vital role in the Valley Campaign battles of Third Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek, earning him a promotion to Major General.
A brief setback occurred in February 1865 when he was captured by Confederate raiders at Cumberland, Maryland, and held as a prisoner until his exchange on March 20th. Upon his return, he was assigned command of a cavalry division in the Army of the Potomac for the pivotal Appomattox Campaign, providing notable service at Five Forks, Sayler’s Creek, and the final engagement at Appomattox Court House, which led to the surrender of the Confederacy. In 1865, he married Mary Tapscott Dailey from Virginia.
Commanding the Indian Wars
After the Civil War, Crook was reassigned to frontier duty with the 23rd U.S. Infantry in the Pacific Northwest, where he would solidify his reputation as a formidable military strategist during the Indian Wars.
Pacifying the West
- He successfully fought the Paiute in the rugged deserts of eastern Oregon, bringing peace to the region within a year.
- When President Ulysses S. Grant dispatched him to Arizona to confront the Apache, General George Crook reorganized his command, innovatively employed Native American scouts, and maintained relentless pressure on roving war parties. His methods were highly effective, leading most of the Apache onto reservations within two years. General William Sherman famously declared him the greatest Indian fighter of them all.
The Sioux and Little Bighorn
As commander of the Department of the Platte, Crook led expeditions against the Sioux. His engagement with Crazy Horse at the Battle of Rosebud resulted in a tactical defeat, and his subsequent failure to link up with General Alfred Terry is often cited as a contributing factor to the tragic outcome at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Geronimo’s Surrender and Advocacy
Crook returned to Arizona in 1881 when the Apache rose again. After eight months of intense campaigning, he successfully returned the Apache to their reservations. Two years later, when the Apache once more went on the warpath, Crook’s final campaign culminated in the historic surrender of Geronimo. After leaving the army, General Crook dedicated himself to working with the U.S. government, striving to ensure that its promises to the conquered tribes were upheld and advocating for better treatment of Native Americans—a remarkable evolution for a man once known primarily for his combat prowess.
A Complex Legacy
General Crook died suddenly in Chicago, Illinois, on March 21, 1890, while serving as commander of the Division of the Missouri. He was initially buried in Oakland, Maryland, but his remains were transported and re-interred at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 1898.
His passing evoked a powerful tribute from his old adversary, the Sioux leader Red Cloud, who stated, “He never lied to us. His words gave my people hope.” This sentiment underscores the nuanced legacy of George Crook: a tenacious military leader who, through direct experience and observation, came to understand and advocate for the humanity and rights of Native Americans. His career reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of the American frontier experience, marked by both conflict and a profound, if belated, sense of justice.
“All the tribes tell the same story. They are surrounded on all sides; the game is destroyed or driven away; they are left to starve, and there remains but one thing for them to do – fight while they can.”
— General George Crook
