Charles Henry Houghton

He Lost a Leg Defending Fort Haskell but Survived

Charles Henry Houghton was a Union Army officer who received the United States Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during the American Civil War. Serving as a captain in Company L of the 14th New York Heavy Artillery, Houghton distinguished himself during two major engagements at Petersburg, Virginia: the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864, and the defense of Fort Haskell on March 25, 1865. Despite repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire and suffering severe wounds that ultimately cost him a leg, he demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership. His actions earned him the nation's highest military decoration more than three decades after the fighting.

Born on April 30, 1842, in Macomb, St. Lawrence County, New York, Houghton grew up in northern New York. His father was William H. Houghton, and his mother was Eliza Ann Bentley Houghton. His early education included attendance at district and private schools, and he occasionally helped with his father's business.

Following his father's death in 1853, Houghton's family faced financial difficulties. He subsequently found employment at a store in De Peyster Corners, New York, where he worked before entering military service.

When the American Civil War began in 1861, Houghton joined the Union Army. On August 26, 1861, he enlisted in the 60th New York Infantry, beginning a military career that would eventually bring him recognition for his battlefield leadership.

During his initial service, Houghton advanced through the ranks, serving as a sergeant before receiving a commission as a second lieutenant. He left the 60th New York Infantry in March 1863.

Later that year, Houghton returned to military service and became involved in organizing troops for the 14th New York Heavy Artillery. On December 7, 1863, he received a commission as captain of Company L.

Although originally organized for heavy artillery duties, the 14th New York Heavy Artillery subsequently participated in infantry operations with the Union Army. In 1864, the regiment joined the IX Corps during Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign against General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.

The regiment served in the difficult operations that brought Union forces toward Petersburg. Houghton experienced the dangers of combat during the campaign, including wounds received during fighting near Bethesda Church in June 1864.

By the summer of 1864, Union troops had established positions around Petersburg, an important Confederate transportation and supply center. Both armies relied heavily on extensive defensive works as the campaign developed into a prolonged siege.

On July 30, 1864, Houghton participated in the Union assault that became known as the Battle of the Crater. The operation began when Union soldiers detonated an enormous underground mine beneath Confederate fortifications, creating a large opening in the enemy's defensive line.

Following the explosion, Union troops advanced toward the damaged Confederate position. However, the assault encountered serious difficulties as attacking formations became disorganized and Confederate soldiers mounted determined counterattacks.

Houghton led troops during the assault, exposing himself to danger while attempting to carry out the Union attack. His conduct during the engagement became one of the two actions later recognized in his Medal of Honor citation.

The Battle of the Crater ended in a Confederate defensive victory, with Union forces suffering substantial casualties. Houghton's individual bravery during the failed assault nevertheless became part of his documented military record.

The second and more personally devastating action occurred on March 25, 1865, during the Confederate attack against Union fortifications near Petersburg.

At that time, Houghton commanded Union troops defending Fort Haskell, a fortified position near Fort Stedman. Confederate forces launched a surprise attack against the Union defensive line and succeeded in capturing Fort Stedman and nearby positions.

The Confederate advance placed Fort Haskell under extraordinary pressure. Enemy troops directed artillery and infantry fire against the fort as Union defenders attempted to prevent the Confederates from expanding their breakthrough.

Houghton remained with his men during the fighting and directed their resistance. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while attempting to maintain the defense of the position.

The bombardment was intense, and the Confederate attackers pressed their assault against the fortifications. Houghton continued fulfilling his responsibilities despite the dangerous conditions.

During the engagement, he suffered multiple wounds. His official Medal of Honor citation records that he was wounded three times and lost a leg as a result of the fighting.

The injuries were severe, but Houghton continued his efforts during the defense until he could no longer remain at his post. The Union defenders successfully resisted the Confederate attack on Fort Haskell, preventing the enemy from securing the position.

The wider Confederate offensive at Fort Stedman ultimately failed, and Union forces regained control of the captured defensive works. The engagement represented one of the final major Confederate attempts to break the Union lines around Petersburg.

Houghton's actions at Fort Haskell established his reputation for courage and determination under fire. His willingness to remain with his soldiers despite repeated wounds became a defining feature of his military service.

Following the battle, Houghton underwent an amputation of his wounded leg. His condition was extremely serious, and his recovery required prolonged medical treatment.

Historical accounts of his hospitalization also describe a visit by President Abraham Lincoln, who was in the Petersburg area during the closing days of the Civil War. The encounter later became part of the published history of Houghton's military career.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Houghton survived. His wartime service was subsequently recognized through brevet promotions, reflecting the distinction he had earned through his battlefield conduct.

His highest recorded military rank was Colonel, while Captain remained the rank he held during the engagements recognized by the Medal of Honor.

After the Civil War, Houghton returned to civilian life and lived for nearly five decades. His military experiences, particularly the loss of his leg at Fort Haskell, remained an important part of his personal history.

On April 5, 1898, Charles Henry Houghton received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of the Crater and the defense of Fort Haskell. The decoration recognized his repeated willingness to expose himself to extreme danger during combat.

Unlike many Medal of Honor citations focused on a single event, Houghton's recognition specifically identified his conduct during two separate engagements, occurring approximately eight months apart.

His actions demonstrated battlefield leadership during both an offensive assault and a defensive struggle. At the Crater, he participated in a dangerous Union attack against Confederate fortifications. At Fort Haskell, he helped defend a threatened Union position while enduring wounds that permanently changed his life.

Charles Henry Houghton died on April 6, 1914, in Jersey City, New Jersey, at the age of 71. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, where his grave commemorates his military service and Medal of Honor recognition.

Houghton's military legacy is closely connected to the 14th New York Heavy Artillery and the Petersburg Campaign. His participation in the Battle of the Crater and his determined defense of Fort Haskell established his place among the Union officers recognized for exceptional bravery.

His Medal of Honor, awarded in 1898, preserves the record of a soldier who continued serving under enemy fire despite repeated injuries and ultimately sacrificed a leg during the defense of his position.

Charles Henry Houghton remains remembered for his courage, endurance, and leadership during the final year of the American Civil War, when his actions at Petersburg earned him a lasting place among the recipients of the United States Medal of Honor.