Webb Gettysburg Hero or New York Patriot, the rest of the story of Alexander S. Webb. Several regular readers of Civil War Bummer have requested additional information regarding the post-war exploits and adventures of some of the renowned individuals detailed on this site.
Alexander Stewart Webb, was married to Anna Elizabeth Remsen, in 1855, they had eight children. General Webb was assigned as a lieutenant colonel to the 44th U.S. Infantry Regiment, in 1866 and the 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment, in 1869. During his final year, he was an instructor at West Point, discharged on December 5, 1870 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He spent the next 32 years as president of the City College of New York. Alexander S. Webb was a prolific writer and historian of the Civil War his book, The Peninsula: McClellan’s Campaign of 1862, was published in 1881.
On September 28, 1891, General Webb received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallant leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was also a follower of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and a founder of Military Order of Foreign Wars. Two bronze statues of Webb, memorializing his bravery and courage stand in his honor, one at the City College of New York and the other at Gettysburg National Battlefield.
Webb died on February 12, 1911, in New York and is buried at West Point. He was 75 years old.
Bummer
Thanks Bummer for the Paul Harvey treatment. Now I know the rest of the story. I have to say I’m surprised to learn that Webb stayed in the Army for several years after the Civil War. I always think of most of these men (who survived the war, that is) leaving as soon as they could be mustered out. Interesting to learn about his long service to CCNY.
Louis,
Some stayed in service because that was their true calling. However, as will be seen, public service played a bigger role. Politics were shunned by the most honorable.
Bummer