Hooker, Joseph (1814–1879), a United States Union army officer, called “Fighting Joe.” Hooker was born in Hadley, Massachusetts. He graduated from West Point in 1837 and served in the Mexican War, being brevetted lieutenant colonel for gallantry. Hooker left the army in 1853, but volunteered at the outbreak of the Civil War, being commissioned brigadier general of volunteers. In 1862 he commanded troops at Antietam and Fredericksburg.
Hooker was appointed commander of the Army of the Potomac in January, 1863. He was outgeneraled by Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville, May 2–4. George G. Meade replaced him in late June, a few days before Gettysburg. In November, 1863, Hooker's army corps won the Battle of Lookout Mountain. He retired from the army as a major general in 1868.
