Edward Ord - Definition and Overview

Edward Otho Cresap Ord (1818-1883) was the designer of Fort Sam Houston, and a United States army officer who saw action in the Seminole War, the Indian Wars, and the Civil War. Ord was born in Cumberland, Maryland, on October 18 1818.

Ord was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Third Artillery Regiment after graduating from West Point in 1839. Ord was promoted to captain in 1850 while serving in the Pacific northwest.

Ord was promoted to the rank of major general and commanded the 2nd Division at Corinth. Although he was seriously wounded at Hatchie, Mississippi, he returned to duty and commanded the XIII Corps during last part of the Vicksburg campaign. During the Richmond-Petersburg campaign he commanded the XVIII Corps and was seriously wounded in the attack on Fort Harrison. He was in command of the Army of the James during the Appomattox campaign.

Ord married Mary Mercer Thompson on October 14 1854, and they had thirteen children. Ord retired from the army in 1880, and died in Havana on July 22 1883 from yellow fever. Ord is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

External links

• Biography from the Texas State Historical Association (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/OO/for1.html)
• Article from Spartacus Schoolnet (http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USACWord.htm)
• Edward Ord photograph page (http://www.generalsandbrevets.com/ngo/ord.htm)