Thomas Tipton Thornburgh
Thomas T. Thornburgh | |
|---|---|
death of the gallant Major Thornburgh | |
| Born | December 26, 1843 New Market, Tennessee, United States |
| Died | September 29, 1879 (aged 35) Battle of Milk Creek, Colorado, United States |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Occupation | Military officer |
| Known for | Battle of Milk Creek |
Thomas Tipton Thornburgh (December 26, 1843 – September 29, 1879) was a career soldier, starting during the American Civil War when he enlisted with the Sixth East Tennessee Volunteers for the Union Army. Mid-war, he left the ranks to study at the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1867. After serving in the west for a number of years, he was made the commander of Fort Steele and Indian scout who received orders to establish peace with the White River Utes. With about 180 men, Thornburgh entered the White River Ute Reservation on September 16, 1879, and he and 13 of his men where killed during the Battle of Milk Creek.