Winfield Scott Hancock

Winfield Scott Hancock
Born	(1824-02-14)February 14, 1824
Died	February 9, 1886(1886-02-09) (aged 61)
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1844–1886
Rank	Major General
Commands held	Army of the Potomac
Battles/wars	American Civil War: Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, Battle of Antietam, Battle of Fredericksburg

Winfield Scott Hancock (February 14, 1824 – February 9, 1886) was a United States Army officer and the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1880. He served with distinction in the American Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg where he played a critical role as a corps commander in the Union Army.

Early life and career

Born in Montgomery Square, Pennsylvania, Hancock graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1844. He served as a quartermaster during the Mexican-American War, but it was during the Civil War that he earned his reputation as a superb military leader.

Civil War service

Hancock's service in the Civil War was marked by notable leadership in several major battles. After being promoted to the rank of major general, he took command of the II Corps and led them in the Battle of Antietam, Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Chancellorsville. His leadership during the Battle of Gettysburg was particularly significant. On the second day of battle, he was instrumental in holding the Union line against a fierce Confederate assault. His actions earned him the nickname "Hancock the Superb."

Post-war career and 1880 presidential election

Following the war, Hancock was appointed as the military governor of Louisiana and Texas, where he sought to facilitate the Reconstruction process. In 1880, he ran for president as a Democrat but was narrowly defeated by James A. Garfield.

Death and legacy

Hancock died in 1886 at Governors Island, New York. He is remembered as one of the most respected leaders of the Union Army, and his leadership at Gettysburg remains widely studied in military circles.

See also

• List of American Civil War generals (Union)

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