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Mahan, Dennis Hart mǝˈhæn (1802-71) military engineer and theorist, born in New York City. Mahan reformed the teaching of engineering at the U.S. Military Academy, where he spent nearly all of his career (1824-71), but for an early four-year leave of absence. Mahan published several texts, some of which were used extensively in the Civil and Mexican (1846-48) Wars. He dominated the academy during his long tenure, influencing all curriculum decisions. Shortly after the academy's board recommended his retirement, Mahan committed suicide.

Mahan was the father of noted historian and strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan.

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1802–71, American soldier and educator, b. New York City; father of Alfred Thayer Mahan. He graduated (1824) from West Point, and from that year until 1871, except for four years (1826–30) spent in France studying public works and institutions, Mahan taught civil and military engineering at the Military Academy. A recognized authority on military engineering, Mahan wrote texts long considered as standard. As a member of the academic board he also contributed greatly to the development of education at West Point. His works include Complete Treatise on Field Fortifications (1836), Summary on the Cause of Permanent Fortifications and of the Attack and Defense of Permanent Works (1850), and An Elementary Course of Military Engineering (2 vol., 1866–67).

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