George Whitefield Davis

1839–1918 (age 79)

Military Engineer

Biography

George Whitefield Davis graduated from West Point in 1861 and spent the Civil War as an engineer, shaping fortifications and logistics that underpinned Union victories. His talents carried him through a career balancing frontier duty with technical innovation, culminating in senior postings overseeing coastal defenses.

He later drew on that experience as military governor of Puerto Rico and the Panama Canal Zone, ensuring that infrastructure and civic institutions reflected both efficiency and care for the people they served.

Also buried at Arlington National Cemetery

Jonathan Letterman
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Arlington National Cemetery
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Joseph B. Plummer
1816–1862 (age 46)
Arlington National Cemetery
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Arthur Henry Dutton
1838–1864 (age 26)
Arlington National Cemetery
Arthur Henry Dutton was a Union officer killed in action during the Civil War at age 26.
Joseph A. Haskin
1818–1874 (age 56)
Arlington National Cemetery
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Alexander Asboth
1811–1868 (age 57)
Arlington National Cemetery
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Charles Wilkes
1798–1877 (age 79)
Arlington National Cemetery
Charles Wilkes (1798-1877) was a New York City-born explorer and naval officer interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Other notable military engineers

George Bomford
1780–1848 (age 68)
Rock Creek Cemetery
George Bomford (1780-1848) was a U.S. Army officer and military engineer.