General Gustav Heinrichs, 41st Missouri Infantry
By Michael A. Peake

Gustavas Heinrichs, born May 18, 1828 in Germany, began his service in Missouri on May 4, 1861, as a first lieutenant and adjutant in Franz Sigel’s 3rd Missouri Infantry. Promoted major, he organized a battalion of Benton Hussars Cavalry at St. Louis, and commanded them through the battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862. In May 1863, Heinrichs transferred to the 4th Missouri Cavalry, headquartered at Columbus, Kentucky. With the summer came a new assignment as superintendent and inspector of military prisons in the city of St. Louis. Promoted to lieutenant colonel in September 1864, Heinrichs assumed command of the 41st Missouri Infantry, organized at Benton Barracks, which reported to St. Louis for garrison duty as prison guards in October.

Heinrichs received a brevet promotion to brigadier general on March 13, 1865, and in April he assumed command of the post of Fort Leavenworth. He died at St. Louis on January 20, 1874, and was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, south of the city.

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Library of Congress: LC-USZ62-129178