Edward Fitzgerald was born in Washington, D.C. back in 1822 to George and Emily. In 1842 he graduated from the Naval School as a midshipman and sailed for two years in Europe and South America. he sailed aboard a Danish ship to gather information on the British feelings on the Oregon boundary. He returned in 1846 and reported his findings to President James Polk that the British had been making warlike preparations. He was promoted to the position of master (whatever that is) where he sailed to Panama, crossing by the isthmus by boat and mule then sailing to Peru where the boarded the American Ship Congress. Having reached San Diego, California he was dispatched to serve with the land forces.
During the Battle of San Pasqual on December 6th, 1846 being surrounded by the Mexican army Edward and two other men (his Delaware Indian servant and someone you may have heard of Kit Carson) crept through the Mexican lines and made their way to San Diego for reinforcements. During his time with the Navy he made six journeys across the country. He on the second crossing brought back proof of gold in California. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1850 and resigned from the Navy in 1851.
There were many more adventures for him but in 1857 President James Buchanan appointed Edward to build a 1,000-mile wagon road from Fort Defiance, New Mexico to the Colorado River. Now is as good as a time to tell you I’m writing about Edward Fitzgerald Beale, better known as Ned Beale. The road he built well let’s just say it is still in use today. Most of us know it plainly as Route 66. Only now you know how it first got started.
Comments (10)Subscribe to CommentsComment