William J. Worth[]

William Jenkins Worth (March 1, 1794 – May 7, 1849) was a United States Army officer who served with distinction in the War of 1812, the Second Seminole War, and the Mexican-American War. Rising to the rank of Brigadier General, he played a crucial role in the capture of Mexico City and is the namesake of Fort Worth, Texas.

Early Life and Military Career[]

Born in Hudson, New York, Worth began his military career in 1813 during the War of 1812. Initially serving as an aide-de-camp to General Winfield Scott, he quickly gained recognition for his bravery and tactical skill. Worth was severely wounded at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane (1814), yet continued to serve, earning a reputation as a fearless and aggressive officer.

Following the war, Worth became the commandant of cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he helped shape the next generation of military leaders.

Second Seminole War[]

Worth played a significant role in the Second Seminole War (1835–1842) in Florida. In 1841, he took command of U.S. forces in the region, implementing aggressive tactics to suppress the Seminole resistance. He declared victory in 1842, though some hostilities continued, and his leadership earned him promotion to brigadier general.

Mexican-American War[]

During the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), Worth distinguished himself under General Winfield Scott, taking part in key battles as American forces advanced toward Mexico City.

Battle of Monterrey (September 1846)[]

One of Worth’s most significant achievements came at the Battle of Monterrey, where he led an independent division in storming the heavily defended city. His bold and determined attacks on Fort Libertad and Fort Soldado helped force the surrender of Mexican forces under General Pedro de Ampudia.

Campaign for Mexico City (1847)[]

Worth played a major role in the campaign to capture Mexico City, leading his division in several critical engagements:

Battle of Veracruz (March 1847): Worth commanded troops in the successful amphibious assault and siege of the fortress city of Veracruz, opening the way for Scott’s march inland.
Battle of Cerro Gordo (April 1847): Worth contributed to the victory over General Santa Anna’s forces, ensuring a clear path to the Mexican capital.
Battle of Contreras and Battle of Churubusco (August 1847): Worth’s division played a significant role in defeating the Mexican army in back-to-back victories, which cleared the way for the final assault on Mexico City.
Battle of Molino del Rey (September 8, 1847): One of the bloodiest battles of the war, Worth led an attack on a suspected cannon foundry, capturing key positions despite heavy resistance.
Storming of Chapultepec (September 12–13, 1847): Worth’s forces fought in the final assault on Chapultepec Castle, leading directly to the U.S. occupation of Mexico City on September 14.

For his contributions, Worth was promoted to major general and was hailed as one of the heroes of the war.

Post-War Career and Legacy[]

Following the war, Worth was placed in charge of U.S. military operations in Texas, overseeing the establishment of military outposts to protect settlers. Fort Worth, Texas, was named in his honor as a tribute to his leadership in the region.

He was later appointed as the military governor of the newly acquired territories of California and New Mexico, but before he could assume command, he died of cholera in San Antonio, Texas, on May 7, 1849.

Legacy[]

Worth’s legacy is honored through:

Fort Worth, Texas, named after him in 1849.
His burial site at Worth Square in Manhattan, New York City, where a granite obelisk and bronze plaque commemorate his service.
Multiple streets, forts, and military installations bearing his name.

References[]

Bauer, K. Jack. The Mexican War, 1846-1848. University of Nebraska Press, 1992.
Eisenhower, John S.D. So Far from God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848. Random House, 1989.
Smith, Justin H. The War with Mexico, Vol. 2. Macmillan, 1919.

William J. Worth

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