Samuel P. Heintzelman

1805–1881

Biography

Samuel Peter Heintzelman was a career military officer who served with distinction in both the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Born in Pennsylvania, he attended West Point and earned a reputation as a skilled and reliable commander. During the Civil War, he rose to the rank of major general and commanded various departments and divisions, particularly in Virginia and the Western Theater. After the war, he continued his military service and later served as governor of the New Mexico Territory.