Henry Atkinson (1782 - 1842) was a U.S. army officer.

Atkinson was a native of North Carolina. He entered the army in 1808 as a captain in the infantry, serving at various outposts on the Western frontier. He moved to New York and was promoted to colonel in the Regular Army, seeing considerable action during the War of 1812. He commanded the 6th U.S. Infantry beginning in 1815. After the war, he led two expeditions to the Yellowstone River in 1819 and 1825. He was appointed brevet brigadier general and was in overall command of U.S. forces during the Black Hawk War. He delivered the final blow to the Black Hawk Indians at the Battle of Bad Axe. Atkinson was criticized for mishandling the operations of the war and his reputation did not prosper as did that of his subordinates Zachary Taylor and Henry Dodge.

Atkinson later superintended removal of the Winnebago to Iowa. Jefferson Barracks (near St. Louis) and Fort Leavenworth were begun under his direction.

He spent the remainder of his career stationed at Jefferson Barracks.

Reference

• Nichols, Roger L., General Henry Atkinson - A Western Military Career. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.

1782 births | 1842 deaths | People from North Carolina | United States Army officers