2nd United States Dragoons

2nd United States Dragoons. The 2nd United States Dragoons was a cavalry regiment of the United States Army, established in 1836 by Congress and disbanded in 1846. The regiment was formed during a period of significant expansion of the United States Army, with the goal of increasing the military's presence in the western United States and protecting American settlers from Native American tribes, such as the Sioux and Cheyenne. The 2nd United States Dragoons was also involved in the Texas Revolution, fighting alongside Sam Houston and the Texian Army against the Mexican Army led by Antonio López de Santa Anna.

● History

The 2nd United States Dragoons was established on May 23, 1836, by an act of Congress, with the goal of providing a mounted force to protect American settlers and traders in the western United States. The regiment was formed from a combination of existing cavalry units, including the United States Regiment of Dragoons, and was initially composed of eight companies of troopers. The regiment was trained at Fort Leavenworth, under the command of Colonel Stephen W. Kearny, a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War. The 2nd United States Dragoons was also involved in the Mexican-American War, fighting alongside Zachary Taylor and the United States Army against the Mexican Army led by Mariano Arista and Pedro de Ampudia.

● Organization

The 2nd United States Dragoons was organized into eight companies of troopers, each consisting of approximately 60-80 men. The regiment was commanded by a Colonel, with a Lieutenant Colonel and several Majors serving as subordinate officers. The regiment was also supported by a number of non-commissioned officers, including Sergeants and Corporals. The 2nd United States Dragoons was equipped with sabers, pistols, and rifles, and was trained in both mounted and dismounted combat. The regiment was also involved in the Comanche Wars, fighting against the Comanche tribe, and was supported by other United States Army units, including the 1st United States Dragoons and the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment.

● Operations

The 2nd United States Dragoons was involved in a number of operations during its existence, including the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. The regiment was also involved in the Indian Wars, fighting against various Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Comanche. The regiment was stationed at a number of forts and outposts in the western United States, including Fort Leavenworth, Fort Scott, and Fort Gibson. The 2nd United States Dragoons was also involved in the Oregon Trail, providing protection to American settlers and traders traveling to the Oregon Territory. The regiment worked alongside other United States Army units, including the United States Corps of Topographical Engineers and the United States Army Quartermaster Corps.

● Notable Battles

The 2nd United States Dragoons was involved in a number of notable battles during its existence, including the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma during the Mexican-American War. The regiment also fought in the Battle of Monterrey and the Battle of Buena Vista, alongside Zachary Taylor and the United States Army. The 2nd United States Dragoons was also involved in the Battle of Little Bighorn, fighting against the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, although this battle occurred after the regiment had been disbanded. The regiment's actions were supported by other United States Army units, including the 7th United States Cavalry Regiment and the 5th United States Infantry Regiment.

● Commanding Officers

The 2nd United States Dragoons had a number of commanding officers during its existence, including Colonel Stephen W. Kearny and Colonel Philip St. George Cooke. The regiment was also commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Lincoln and Major Ben McCulloch, a veteran of the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. The 2nd United States Dragoons was also supported by a number of other notable officers, including Robert E. Lee, who served as a lieutenant in the regiment, and Ulysses S. Grant, who served as a captain in the 4th United States Infantry Regiment. The regiment's officers were trained at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and were influenced by the military theories of Carl von Clausewitz and Helmuth von Moltke the Elder. Category:United States Army regiments