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Who was Ambrose Burnside?
Ambrose Burnside was a prominent figure in American history, who served as a Union general during the Civil War, a railroad executive, and a politician. He was born in Liberty, Indiana, on May 23, 1824, and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1847. He fought in the Mexican-American War and the Apache Wars, and then resigned from the army in 1853 to pursue a career as an inventor and industrialist. He patented a breech-loading carbine rifle, which was later widely used by the cavalry in the Civil War. He also became a general in the Rhode Island militia and a treasurer for the Illinois Central Railroad
What were his achievements in the Civil War?
Burnside rejoined the army in 1861, after the outbreak of the Civil War. He commanded a brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run, where he distinguished himself by covering the retreat of the Union army. He then led an expeditionary force in North Carolina, capturing several coastal forts and towns. He was promoted to major general and participated in the Maryland Campaign, where he commanded the Ninth Corps at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. He was reluctant to take the post, but in November 1862, he was appointed as the commander of the Army of the Potomac, replacing his friend George McClellan. He launched an offensive against the Confederate army at Fredericksburg, but suffered a crushing defeat, losing more than 12,000 men. He was relieved of his command in January 1863, and transferred to the Department of the Ohio
How did he fare in his later military and political career?
Burnside continued to serve in the Civil War, but with mixed results. He was involved in the suppression of the Copperhead movement in Ohio, and the defense of Knoxville in Tennessee. He returned to the Army of the Potomac in 1864, and took part in the Overland Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg. He was responsible for the disastrous attack at the Battle of the Crater, where his men were repulsed with heavy casualties. He was criticized for his poor leadership and requested to be relieved of his command. He resigned from the army in April 1865, after the end of the war
Burnside then entered politics, as a member of the Republican Party. He was elected as the governor of Rhode Island in 1866, and served three consecutive terms. He was popular for his support of civil rights, education, and veterans’ benefits. He was also elected as a U.S. senator in 1875, and served until his death. He was involved in several committees and issues, such as foreign affairs, military affairs, and Indian affairs. He was also a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 1876 and 1880, but failed to win enough support
How did he die?
Burnside died from heart disease on September 13, 1881, in Bristol, Rhode Island. He was 57 years old. He had suffered from angina, a chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, for several years. He had a severe attack on September 12, and died the next day at his home. He was buried at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island, with full military honors. He was mourned by his family, friends, and admirers, who remembered him as a brave soldier, a loyal patriot, and a generous benefactor
Conclusion
Ambrose Burnside was a remarkable man, who had a significant impact on American history. He was a military leader, an inventor, an industrialist, and a politician. He had many successes and failures, but he always tried to do his best for his country and his fellow men. He died from heart disease in 1881, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and innovation. He is also remembered for his distinctive style of facial hair, which inspired the term “sideburns”
