Tomas Green Cavalryman Date of Birth: 08.07.1814 Country: USA

1. Biography of Thomas Green
2. Service in Texas
3. Role in the Mexican-American War
4. Service in the Civil War
5. Death and Legacy

Biography of Thomas Green

Thomas Green, a renowned cavalryman, was born on July 8, 1814, in Buckingham County, Virginia. He was raised in a family of Nathan and Mary Green (Field) and in 1817, the family relocated to Tennessee. Green received his education at Jackson College in Tennessee and Princeton College in Kentucky, which later paved the way for him to continue his studies at the University of Tennessee. After obtaining a degree in law, Green began his practical work under the guidance of his respected father, who was a judge in the state.

Service in Texas

When the rebellion against Mexican rule in Texas began, Green joined the volunteers and enlisted in the military service of the Republic of Texas in January 1835. He was assigned to Isaac Moreland's company and distinguished himself in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Shortly after, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and then to major, becoming the adjutant to Thomas J. Rusk.

In 1837, Green decided to settle in Texas and received land and the position of chief surveyor in the city of La Grange, Fayette County, as a token of gratitude for his military service. With the help of veteran friends, Green held responsible positions in the Texas legislature and the Supreme Court for two decades. Despite his involvement in politics and lawmaking, he continued to participate in numerous military campaigns against the Comanche Indians and Mexicans.

Role in the Mexican-American War

At the start of the Mexican-American War, Green raised a company of Texas Rangers, which became part of the 1st Texas Mounted Rifles under the command of John Hays. The Texans played a decisive role in the capture of Monterrey by Zachary Taylor's forces in September 1846. After the war, on January 31, 1847, Green married Mary Wallace Chalmers, who later gave him four daughters and a son.

Service in the Civil War

Following Texas's secession in 1861, Thomas Green was elected as the colonel of the 5th Texas Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. As part of General Sibley's brigade, they invaded New Mexico in early 1862 and achieved a significant victory against the Federal troops at the Battle of Val Verde in February of the same year. During a difficult retreat back to Texas, Green organized his men to board the steamboat "Bayou City" and recaptured Galveston from the Union forces on January 1, 1863. He later assumed command of the 1st Cavalry Brigade and participated in the Louisiana Campaign.

In May 1863, Green was promoted to brigadier general, and his brigade achieved notable victories against Union forces at Cox's Plantation, Sterling Plantation, and Bayou Bourbeau, inflicting significant casualties on the enemy while losing 600 of his own soldiers. In early April 1864, as the commander of a cavalry division, Green defeated Major General Nathaniel P. Banks at the Battle of Mansfield and Major General William H. Emory at the Battle of Pleasant Hill within the Red River Campaign.

Death and Legacy

On April 12, 1864, while leading his cavalry in an attack on Federal gunboats patrolling the Red River near Blair's Landing, Thomas Green sustained a mortal wound and died without regaining consciousness. He was buried in Austin, Texas. In 1874, the county of Tom Green County was named in honor of Thomas Green's contributions and legacy.