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Carson was Union officer in Civil War
The life and legend of Kentucky native Christopher “Kit” Carson has fascinated Americans for more than a century. But perhaps one of the least-known facts about the western frontiersman is that he was a Union lieutenant colonel during the Civil War.
With the outbreak of the war, Carson, who was an Indian Affairs agent in the western territory, was appointed to his position commanding the First New Mexico Volunteer Regiment. As such, he was involved in the Battle of Valverde, which was part of Confederate Brig. Gen. Henry Sibley’s New Mexico campaign. Fought Feb. 20-21, 1862, the Confederacy captured six artillery pieces during a frontal attack, forced the Union battle line to break and claimed victory.
Like many Civil War officers, Carson also participated in the Mexican War (1846-48), which resulted in U.S. ownership of much of the American Southwest. The Madison County native served as a dispatcher during the Mexican campaign, carrying messages between command posts in enemy territory.
In 1865, Carson was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and held assignments in the west until he left the army in 1867.
Born Dec. 24, 1809, the famous western guide and Indian agent was one of 10 children born to Lindsey and Rebecca Robinson Carson. Kit’s father, who fought in the Revolutionary War, was taking his family to Missouri when his son was born near Richmond.
Kit became famous as a guide for western explorer John C. Fremont and his expeditions through Wyoming, Oregon and California. Carson died in 1868 at Fort Lyon, Colo.
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