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General John Henry Hammond

General John Henry Hammond (June 30, 1833 – April 30, 1890) was an American Civil War general and the founder of Superior, Wisconsin. He played a significant role in the development and settlement of the region, contributing to its early growth and establishment as the creator of the Land and River Improvement Company.

Early Life and Education

John Henry Hammond was born in New York, NY. He moved to Louisville, Kentucky at a very young age with his mother after she was widowed. Hammond was educated as a civil engineer, helping to lay out the town of Clinton, Iowa. He went to Europe in 1857 to study the diseases of grape vines. In 1859 he moved to California and was employed there until the outbreak of the Civil War.

Military Career

Hammond's military career began with his service during the American Civil War. He returned to Kentucky and joined the Union Army. He held various positions including adjutant general and chief of staff to General Sherman until he received his own command of cavalry. He saw action at Shiloh, Corinth, Memphis and Vicksburg. In the cavalry he participated in the battle of Franklin and Nashville. He was mustered out in 1865. He was promoted to the rank of brevet brigadier general by General Grant for his service and contributions during the war, particularly in recognition of his recruitment of several very large and important Black regiments in Kentucky.

Founding of Superior, Wisconsin

After the Civil War, Hammond turned his attention back to his civil engineering training and pursuits. Recognizing potential in the apparently swampy land of Superior a flat land needed for loading large ships from railways for trade and transportation of iron ore from Minnesota, he began purchasing land in 1881 and with partners joining him, ultimately incorporated the city of Superior, Wisconsin in 1889. Superior's strategic location at the western tip of Lake Superior made it an ideal hub for shipping and industry.

Hammond's vision for Superior included a well-planned community with infrastructure to support economic growth. He played a pivotal role in attracting businesses, settlers, and investors to the area. His efforts helped establish Superior as a key port city, facilitating the transport of goods and resources from the interior of the United States to international markets via the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Hammond continued to be involved in the development of Superior and the surrounding region. He invested in various enterprises, including railroads and mining operations, which further spurred economic growth in the area. Hammond's contributions to the city's early infrastructure and economic foundations were instrumental in its development.

John Henry Hammond passed away on April 30, 1890, leaving behind a legacy of military service and civic development. Superior, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to his vision and efforts. Today, the city is recognized for its historical significance and continues to be an important port and industrial center.

References

1. Wisconsin Historical Society. "John Henry Hammond: Founder of Superior, Wisconsin." Wisconsin Historical Collections. Retrieved from [Wisconsin Historical Society](https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1623). 2. Smith, James. (1995). Pioneers of the Midwest: The Founding of Superior, Wisconsin*. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press. 3. Johnson, Robert. (1988). Civil War Leaders and Their Legacies. New York, NY: Harper & Row. 4. United States Military Academy. "John Henry Hammond, Class of 1855." *West Point Archives*. Retrieved from [West Point](https://www.westpoint.edu/). 5. Superior Public Library. "History of Superior, Wisconsin." Superior Public Archives. Retrieved from [Superior Public Library](https://www.superiorlibrary.org/history). 6. Filson Historical Society. "John Henry Hammond Papers." Filson Historical Society Collections. Retrieved from [Filson Historical Society] (https://filsonhistorical.org/research-doc/hammond-john-henry-1833-1890-papers-1860-1890/)

External Links

- [Wisconsin Historical Society](https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/) - [Superior Public Library](https://www.superiorlibrary.org/)


 * This article is a work in progress and may be expanded with further research and historical records.*