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00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 492

On January 25, 1863, President Lincoln appointed Joseph Hooker to head the Army of the Potomac.  A Massachusetts native, Hooker graduated West Point in 1837 and served in the war against Mexico from 1846 to 1848. 

Appointed Brigadier General in 1861, Hooker earned the nickname “fighting Joe.”  He is perhaps better known, however, for another moniker that he actually had no part in earning. Due to the general’s alleged predilection for hard drink and easy women, a legend emerged that prostitutes attached to his division were called “Hookers girls,” or simply “Hookers.”  In fact, the term had likely been used before the Civil War. 

Although successful in improving army morale, diet, sanitation and medical care, Hooker was relieved of his command just three days before the critical Battle of Gettysburg.