Background
Stevens, Isaac Ingalls was born on March 25, 1818 in Andover, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Isaac and Hannah (Cummings) Stevens.
congressman territorial governor army officer
Stevens, Isaac Ingalls was born on March 25, 1818 in Andover, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Isaac and Hannah (Cummings) Stevens.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1839.
Commissioned Second lieutenant of engrs. United States Army; engaged in construction or repair of fortification on New England coast. Commissioned First lieutenant, 1840.
Engineer adjutant on Scott’s staff in Mexico during Mexican War. At Battle of Contreras, siege of Vera Cruz, battles of Cerro Gordo, Churubusco, and Chapultepec, brevetted captain and major. Reassigned to engineering duties in coastal fortifications after war, 1848-1849.
Appointed executive assistant in the United States Coast Survey, 1849-1853. Governor Washington Territory, circa 1853-1857, helped pacify Indians. Director of exploration for Northern route of Pacific Railway surveys, 1853, determined navigability of Missouri and Columbia rivers.
Made treaties with Indians, 1854-1855. Concluded lasting peace with Blackfoot Indians, 1855. Elected territorial delegate to the United States Congress, 1857.
Delegate to Democratic National Convention, Charleston, 1860. At outbreak of Civil War became colonel 79th Regiment of New York Volunteers (The Highlanders). Promoted to brigadier general, 1861, major general, 1862, Author: Campaigns of the Rio Grande and Mexico, 1851.
Report of Exploration for a Route for the Pacific Railroad, 1855.
Married Margaret Hazard, September 8, 1841, 5 children.