When the Civil War began he was a little-known Infantry Lieutenant serving in Oregon. During the War, he served on the staff of General Halleck (Army Commanding General) and then took part in the campaign for Corinth, Mississippi. He was then promoted to Colonel and led a Cavalry Brigade.

He was promoted to Brigadier General, USA, in 1863, but suffered a defeat at Chickamauga. However, he recorded a major victory at Missionary Ridge and General U. S. Grant prompted him to Commander of Cavalry, Army of the Potomac. In 1864, he led the raid on Richmond, Virginia, which resulted in the death of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart.

The poem, "Sheridan's Ride" made famous his victory at Cedar Creek. He was present on April 1, 1865 when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. After the war, he was given commands in the Division of the Gulf, Division of Louisiana and the Department of Texas.

He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1884, after the retirement of General William T. Sherman, and took command of the United States Army. In 1888, he was promoted to Full General while still on active duty. He finished writing his memoirs, "Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan," just before he died.

He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery just below Arlington House. His tomb cannot easily be seen from the walkway and only the word "SHERIDAN" appears on it.

Several of his family members, including his wife, Irene Rucker Sheridan, his son Philip Henry Sheridan, Jr., his daughters, Mary Sheridan, Louise Sheridan and Irene Sheridan as well as his brother Michael Vincent Sheridan are also buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

SHERIDAN, IRENE W/O PHILIP H
DATE OF DEATH: 02/24/1938
DATE OF INTERMENT: 02/26/1938
BURIED AT: SECTION E.2  SITE S-1
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
 WIFE OF PH SHERIDAN COMM GEN

SHERIDAN, PHILIP H
GEN US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown
DATE OF DEATH: 08/05/1888
DATE OF INTERMENT: Unknown
BURIED AT: SECTION 2  SITE S-1
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Webmaster: Michael Robert Patterson

Photos Courtesy of the National Archives

USMA Photo

The Sheridan Gravesite In About 1900
Michael Robert Patterson Collection

Postcard of Philip Henry Sheridan's Gravesite, Circa 1900
Collection of Michael Robert Patterson