John Bankhead Magruder
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(August 15, 1810 - February 19, 1871) Virginia native John Bankhead Magruder graduated from the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in 1830. For meritorious service in the Mexican War (1846-48) Magruder was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He later resigned from the U. S. Army to join the Confederacy in 1861. As commander of the Texas District he overcame a Federal blockade and regained control of Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast. After the Civil War he fled to Mexico and served in Maximillian's army.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Virginia native and West Point graduate of 1830, John Bankhead Magruder won promotion for gallantry in the Mexican War before resigning to join the Confederacy in 1861. As commander of the Texas District he broke the Federal blockade and retook Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast. After the war he fled to Mexico and served in Emperor Maximilian's army.
Why it matters
Magruder's recapture of Galveston was one of the Confederacy's rare coastal victories, and his flight to Maximilian's Mexico reflects the uncertain fate of Confederate officers after the war.
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Related people
- · John Bankhead Magruder
Related events
- · Battle of Galveston
Themes & tags
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