George Brinton McClellan was born on December 3rd, 1826, to George McClellan and Elizabeth Steinmetz McClellan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father was a doctor and his mother was a stay at home mom, as most were before the civil war. Elizabeth Brinton was a descendant of William Bradford, one of the most influential men of the pilgrims. George McClellan had four siblings; Federica, Mary and two brothers; John and Arthur. Elizabeth wanted her children to have the best education so she sent George and his brothers to “infant school” at age five. After “infant school” George McClellan went to Sears Cook Walker private school. At the age of ten years old, after graduating elementary school, George Brinton McClellan started taking …show more content…
. . ,a magnificent classical scholar and an excellent teacher.” Two years later George McClellan enrolled in a the prep school of University of Pennsylvania. Two years after enrolling at the age of thirteen, he entered the college. When he got to the University of Pennsylvania he reluctantly went into a law degree but after two years of studying law he changed his goals to the military. In 1842, he enrolled at West Point Academy with a letter that his father had sent to the secretary of West Point. Dr. George McClellan wrote, “I have requested that President John Tyler take fine consideration of my son’s application.” It is not known whether General McClellan was endorsed by the President of the United States but without further interference George Brinton McClellan was accepted to West Point Academy. While at West Point General McClellan learned the basics of being a great soldier such as the proper uniform, the use of his musket and the art of the bayonet, the basics of marching, and of course to have respect for your fellow soldier and for upperclassmen. After a grueling summer for George Brinton McClellan he finally wrote to his mother that he felt that he had become as tough as a pine log. During his first year of schooling all cadets where required to