Births on February 8

Richard S. Ewell

Born on February 8, 1817

Richard S. Ewell, American general (d. 1872)

Richard Stoddert Ewell (February 8, 1817 – January 25, 1872) was a career United States Army officer and a Confederate general during the American Civil War. He achieved fame as a senior commander under Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee and fought effectively through much of the war, but his legacy has been clouded by controversies over his actions at the Battle of Gettysburg and at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.

References

Richard S. Ewell

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Events on 1817

19 Jan

Crossing of the Andes
An army of 5,423 soldiers, led by General José de San Martín, crosses the Andes from Argentina to liberate Chile and then Peru.
12 Feb

Battle of Chacabuco
An Argentine/Chilean patriotic army, after crossing the Andes, defeats Spanish troops on the Battle of Chacabuco.
15 Apr

American School for the Deaf
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc founded the American School for the Deaf, the first American school for deaf students, in Hartford, Connecticut.
4 Jul

Erie Canal
In Rome, New York, construction on the Erie Canal begins.
30 Oct

Simón Bolívar
The independent government of Venezuela is established by Simón Bolívar.

Births on February 8

Richard S. Ewell

Born on February 8, 1817

References

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Events on 1817

Crossing of the Andes

Battle of Chacabuco

American School for the Deaf

Erie Canal

Simón Bolívar