Jefferson Van Horne

Jefferson Van Horne (December 12, 1802 – September 28, 1857) was an American infantry officer. He was a veteran of the Seminole Wars, the Military Occupation of Texas, and the Mexican–American War. He is best known as the "Founder of Fort Bliss".

Biography Jefferson Van Horne was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1802 to Isaac Van Horne. His family moved to Zanesville, Ohio in 1810. Jefferson Van Horne was a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point from July 1, 1823 to July 1, 1827.

Early military career Van Horne graduated from the United States Military Academy with a rank of thirteen in a class of thirty-eight. Upon graduation he was promoted to second lieutenant and assigned to the Third Infantry. and transferring and subsisting Indians from 1832 to 1839. During this tour Van Horne was promoted to first lieutenant on April 1, 1836.

Personal life Van Horne married Mary S. Gilbert in Zanesville, Ohio on November 28, 1854.