Education
Born in Windsor, Vermont, Washburn attended the common schools. He graduated from the New York State and National Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1853.
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Career
He became a tanner and a currier, and taught school for several years. He moved to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1850. He commenced the practice of law in Newport, Indiana.
Entering politics, he served as the county auditor from 1854–1861.
With the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Union Army on August 16, 1861, serving as lieutenant colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Pea Ridge by leading the 18th Indiana in a counterattack to recapture two guns lost from the Peoria battery.
He was subsequently promoted to colonel and given command of the regiment on July 15, 1862. After garrisoning Missouri for the fall and winter, the 18th Indiana was attached to Grant’s army endeavoring to cross the Mississippi and seize Vicksburg.
After the successful end of the Vicksburg operation, Washburn’s brigade remained with the XIII Army Corps involved in operations up the Teche River, and the successful capture of several Rebel forts.
In January 1864, the 18th Indiana was sent to Virginia where it participated in several stiff skirmishes. In August 1864, the 18th Indiana was attached to the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division (Grover) of Emory’s Nineteenth Army Corps. During Sheridan’s campaign to clear the Shenandoah Valley, Washburn commanded the 4th Brigade during heavy fighting at the Opequon, Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek.
His valor and heroism in the Valley was recognized with a promotion to brevet Brigadier General on 15 December 1864.
In the winter of 1864-1865, the Nineteenth Corps garrisoned the Savannah area while engaged in raids into Rebel held areas. Soon after mustering out of service, Washburn received promotion to brevet Major General on 26 July 1865 in recognition of his bravery and valor.
He mustered out August 26, 1865. Following the war, Washburn resumed his law practice and returned to politics.
He successfully contested as a Republican the election of Daniel West. Voorhees to the Thirty-ninth Congress.
He was reelected to the Fortieth Congress and served from February 23, 1866, to March 3, 1869. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1868 to the Forty-first Congress. He was appointed surveyor general of Montana in 1869 and served until his death.
In 1870 he headed the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition to explore what would become Yellowstone National Park.
Mount Washburn, located within the park, is named for him. Washburn returned to Clinton, Indiana, where he died on January 26, 1871.
He was interred in Riverside Cemetery.
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Born
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Died
January 26, 1871 (aged 38) -
Nationality
United States -
Political Party
Republican party