William Jenkins Worth was a United States general during the Mexican-American War
Early Life
Worth was born on March 1, 1794 in Hudson, New York. He received common schooling as a child and moved to Albany where he was working as a merchant when the War of 1812 began.
Early Military Career
During the war he served as an aid to (then brigadier general) Winfield Scott, and developed a friendship with Scott. Worth later named his son Winfield Scott Worth. He distinguished himself at the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane during the Niagara campaign.
After the war he was Commandant of Cadets at West Point and would rise to the rank of Colonel in 1838. Using his own tactics he successfully fought in the Seminole Wars in Florida and was promoted brigadier general in 1842.
Mexican War
When the Mexican-American War began Worth was serving under Zachary Taylor in Texas and negotiated the surrender of the Mexican city of Matamoros. He next commanded the 2nd Regular Division, Army of Occupation at the Battle of Monterrey. In 1847 Worth was transferred to his old friend Winfield Scott's army and placed in command of the 1st Division. He was the first to land at Veracruz and engaged in the following battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Churubusco. In Mexico City Scott ordered Worth to seize the Mexican works at the Molino del Rey. Worth and Scott's friendship came to a head when Scott refused to allow Worth to modify the attack and the battle caused the 1st Division severe casualties, much to Worth's dismay. Worth later renamed his son Winfiled Scott to William. He next led his division against the San Cosimó Gate at Mexico City. When U.S. forces entered Mexico City, Worth personally climbed to the roof of the National Palace and took down the Mexican flag replacing it with the Stars and Stripes.
Post War Service
For his service at the Battle of Chapultepec Congress awarded him with a sword of honor. He was in command of the Department of Texas when he died of cholera on May 7, 1849 in San Antonio. His remains were reinterred in a monument on the corner of 5th Ave and Broadway in New York City.
Fort Worth, Texas is named in his honor.
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