This is an image of Lincoln, Grant, Lee, and Davis.

Civil War Leaders

Learn more about the Union and Confederate leaders who defined the Civil War era.

Benjamin F. Cheatham

Descended from one of the state’s “first families,” Benjamin Franklin Cheatham had important political connections. In addition, his father, Leonard...

George Sears Greene

George Sears Greene was one of the oldest field commanders in the Federal army during the Civil War. He served with distinction in several key...

Isaac I. Stevens

Isaac Ingalls Stevens began his military career after graduating first in his class from the United States Military Academy in 1839. He was...

James A. Garfield

After waiting several months to receive a military commission from Ohio’s governor, ardent anti-secessionist James A. Garfield was offered the...

Samuel R. Curtis

Biography of Union General Samuel Ryan Curtis began his military career after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1831. He was sent...

Nathan G. Evans

Nathan Evans was born in South Carolina in 1824. After graduation from West Point in 1848, where his distinctive, spindly, knock-kneed legs caused his...