George Thomas was a prominent figure in American history, known for his role as a Union general during the American Civil War. He was born on July 31, 1816, in New Jersey and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Thomas earned the nickname "The Rock of Chickamauga" for his steadfast defense during the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. After the war, Thomas continued to serve in the military, focusing on the reconstruction of the South. He was appointed as the commander of the Department of the Cumberland and worked to maintain peace and order in the region. Thomas passed away on March 28, 1870, in San Francisco, California.