William W. Belknap 1829 – 1890

Biography

William W. Belknap was born on September 22, 1829, in New York City during a transformative period in American history. He would go on to serve his nation with distinction, rising to the rank of general in the Union Army during one of the country’s most defining eras. His military career reflected the dedication and leadership that marked his life’s work.

Throughout his service, Belknap remained committed to the causes he championed, navigating the complexities of the post-Civil War period. His contributions to the military establishment shaped the institution during crucial years of national reconstruction and evolution. Though details of his specific campaigns and achievements are part of the broader historical record, his rank and tenure speak to the trust placed in his capabilities and judgment.

Belknap passed away on October 13, 1890, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 61, succumbing to a myocardial infarction. His legacy was honored through his interment at Arlington National Cemetery, a final resting place reserved for those who served the nation with distinction. William W. Belknap remains part of the historical fabric of nineteenth-century America, remembered as a Union Army officer who lived through and contributed to one of the most consequential periods in the nation’s past.