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George Brinton McClellan 1828-1885 Written by

McClellan graduated from West Point into the Mexican War, serving as a combat engineer and three times cited for his zeal and bravery under fire. He then taught at West Point, surveyed transcontinental railroad routes, studied European military organization, and promoted what became the army’s standard saddle.

McClellan resigned his commission in 1857 to become a railroad executive. In 1860 he married Ellen, the daughter of Randolph B. Marcy (Class of 1832). During the Civil War, Marcy became his son-in-law’s chief of staff.

Back in uniform when war began, McClellan’s bold, victorious western Virginia campaign won him fame and command of Union forces. But that boldness and victory soon deserted him, although he proved an efficient organizer well liked by his men. Removed from command, he turned to politics, failing in an 1864 bid for the presidency but later winning two terms as governor of New Jersey.