10 Facts About Phil Sheridan-- Part 5: Yellowstone and the Great Chicago Fire

8.  HIS INFLUENCE HELPED YELLOWSTONE BECOME A NATIONAL PARK

Sheridan ended up being a key proponent of the protection of what is today Yellowstone National Park in 1870.  At one point, he even directed a cavalry unit to take control of it to prevent development.

A mountain peak there was named in his honor.

9.  HE WAS (BRIEFLY) THE MILITARY RULER OF CHICAGO

The post from which Sheridan oversaw the forces in the Great Plains was Chicago (because it was a major railroad intersection) and he was there during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.  he took a major role in fighting the fire, ordering his troops to  dynamite buildings in the path of the flames in order to block them.

And, he briefly was ruler of the city when martial law was imposed following the fire.

--Old Secesh