As the nation moves closer to its 250th anniversary and celebrates the lives of the brave men and women who served to ensure freedom at great cost, we look back at the heroes of Franklin and Washington counties.
Samuel Ringgold, hero of the Mexican-American War
Samuel Ringgold (1796-1846) was one of nine children born to U.S. Congressman and Brigadier General Samuel Ringgold (1770-1829) and his wife, Maria Cadwalader Ringgold (1776-1811). Ringgold was born in Washington County near what is now Hagerstown. Growing up as the son of a congressman, he was well educated. He attended West Point and graduated near the top of his class.
Continuing the family legacy in military service
After graduating in 1818 from West Point, Ringgold began his life as a soldier. In 1822, he achieved the rank of first lieutenant and within 10 years he had achieved the rank of captain. He then took command of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment and was sent to Florida. However, his health began to fail, and his life would have an unexpected twist. His studies abroad would prove valuable as America once again headed to war.
Further education in Europe
Ringgold’s health issues required a change in climate. To recuperate, he traveled across the sea to Europe where he furthered his education in the tactics of light artillery. He first studied at the École Polytechnique in Paris and then at the Sandhurst Royal Military College in London. His studies abroad would prove valuable as America once again headed to war.
Service in the Mexican-American War
In 1838, Ringgold returned to the United States and resumed his command, this time with Company C, 3rd Regiment of Artillery. Here he would implement a new technique called the “Flying Artillery.” This involved the use of horse-drawn cannons and wagons that moved with such precision that they seemed to fly. A technique mastered by Ringgold.
This unique form of combat was first implemented on May 8, 1846, at the Battle of Palo Alto in Texas, during the first campaign of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Under the leadership of General Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), Ringgold led his Flying Artillery into battle despite being greatly outnumbered by the Mexican army.
The tactics of the Flying Artillery would help win the day, but it came with a heavy cost. During the battle, Ringgold would suffer a mortal wound while helping to man the cannons. Despite attempts by his men to get him to safety, Ringgold stayed at his command and kept fighting. He died on May 11, 1846.
Forever a hero
While his light was extinguished in the early days of the war, his flying artillery would fight on and help win the war for the United States. Due to his dedication to military service, Ringgold never married and had no children. The small community of Ringgold in Washington County is one of seven towns and counties named after Samuel Ringgold. Other states that honored him were Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa, Louisiana and Georgia. In addition to these memorials, Ringgold Civic Park in Texas and Fort Ringgold on the Texas-Mexican border were established to honor his legacy.
This is Part 3 of a five-part series looking at the lives and accomplishments of the heroes of Franklin and Washington County’s.
