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Born
Born in Columbus, Ohio -
Graduation
Irvin was 23rd in his class of 45 at West Point; this helped him be posted in the 1st U.S. artillery. Before going to West Point Irvin studied in France at College de Troyes. -
Army
McDowell generally served as a staff officer to higher-ranking military leaders, and developed experience in logistics and supply. He developed a close friendship with General Winfield Scott while serving on his staff. He also served under future Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston. -
Promotion
McDowell was promoted to brigadier general in the regular army on May 14, 1861, and given command of the Army of Northeastern Virginia. -
Bull Run
First major land battle of the Civil war. Defeated. Although McDowell knew that his troops were inexperienced and unready, and protested that he was a supply officer, not a field commander, pressure from the Washington politicians forced him to launch a premature offensive against Confederate forces in Northern Virginia. His strategy during the First Battle of Bull Run was imaginative but ambitiously complex, and his troops were not experienced enough to carry it out effectively, resulting in an -
Second Bull Run
Irvin was blamed for the defeat as being the major general in the army. He escaped culpability by testifying against Maj. Gen. Fitz John Porter, whom Pope court-martialed for alleged insubordination in that battle. Despite his formal escape, McDowell spent the following two years in effective exile from the leadership of the Army. -
Retirement
Irvin retired from the army and settled in San Francisco, California and served as Park commisioner. -
Death
Irvin passed away on this day. He is buried in the San Francisco National Cemetary in the Presidio of San Francisco.