Hopkinton’s Brigadier General Michael J. Lenihan’s Legacy

Brigadier General Michael J. Lenihan grew up on a farm on Ash Street in Hopkinton, where he was born on May 2, 1865.

Military Career

He spent his life as a career Army officer, serving in tough places—from the American Western Frontier to the Philippines, and then Europe during World War I.

Lenihan’s military story begins with his graduation from West Point in 1887. His early years took him all over, but things got especially intense during World War I. In August 1917, he rose to brigadier general and took charge of the 83rd Infantry Brigade in the famous 42nd “Rainbow” Division.

The Meuse–Argonne offensive was brutal. His brigade ran into serious German resistance and couldn’t push forward, so Major General Charles P. Summerall pulled him from command. But that wasn’t the end—after a hearing, Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett reversed the decision.

Lenihan got another shot, this time leading the 153rd Brigade of the 77th Division until the war wrapped up. After the war, the Army bumped him back down to colonel in 1919, but he returned to brigadier general in 1925. He served as Chief of Staff for XII Army Corps and later commanded the 3rd Infantry Division before retiring in 1929.

Lenihan lived a long life, passing away in Philadelphia at 93. He’s buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

The Historical Society will be open on November 8 & 9 from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. both days.

On display will be Hopkinton’s military memorabilia, artifacts, and photos. At 1 P.M., on November 8, the Historical Society will welcome the descendants of General Lenihan and share his military collection: an ornate loving cup gifted by Hopkinton in 1919, his ceremonial sword, and even handwritten memoirs. They’ll be sharing stories and keeping his legacy alive.