A Union general during the American Civil War, he played a crucial role in the Appomattox Campaign, ultimately leading to Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender.
Charles Griffin is best known for his illustrious career as a Union general in the American Civil War, where he rose to command a corps in the Army of the Potomac and fought in many of the key campaigns in the Eastern Theater. His unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom and justice earned him a reputation as a fierce and effective leader, who was unafraid to take a stand against the Confederacy and its sympathizers.
Griffin was born on December 18, 1825, in Granville, Ohio, the son of Apollos Griffin. He attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and later graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, in 1847. Commissioned as a brevet second lieutenant, he served with the 2nd U.S. Artillery during the final campaign of the Mexican-American War.
Griffin's military career was marked by rapid advancement, as he was promoted to first lieutenant in 1849 and served in the New Mexico Territory against Navajo Indians until 1854. He then taught artillery tactics at West Point, forming an artillery battery from the academy's enlisted men shortly after the Southern states began seceding from the Union.
In April 1861, Griffin was promoted to captain and led the West Point Battery, officially designated as Battery D, 5th U.S. Artillery, at the First Battle of Bull Run in July. He received a brief furlough from the army and married Sallie Carroll, the scion of a prominent Maryland family, on December 10, 1861.
Griffin commanded his battery during the early part of the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, and in June 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers, to rank from June 9. He was transferred to the infantry, where he got command of a brigade in the V Corps.
After the war, Griffin commanded the Department of Texas during Reconstruction. He was an ardent supporter of the Congressional policies of the Radical Republicans and of freedmen's rights, and controversially disqualified a number of state officeholders in Texas who had supported the Confederate States of America, replacing them with loyal Unionists.
Griffin died on September 15, 1867, at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy as a courageous and principled leader who fought for the freedom and equality of all Americans.
Charles Griffin's legacy is one of unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice. His bravery and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his unyielding support for the rights of freedmen during Reconstruction, have earned him a place in the annals of American history as a true hero and champion of human rights.
Despite the challenges and controversies he faced, Griffin remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of freedom and justice, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans to this day.
Born in 1822
Led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War and later became President, known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and strengthening federal authority.
Born in 1820
A renowned Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his scorched earth tactics and march through the Confederacy, leaving destruction in his wake.
Born in 1826
A Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his cautious tactics and disagreements with President Lincoln, later becoming a governor of New Jersey.
Born in 1824
A Union general during the American Civil War, known for his distinctive sideburns and leading the Army of the Potomac to a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Born in 1814
Union general who played a crucial role in the American Civil War, particularly at the Battle of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Born in 1815
Led the Union Army to victory in the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, and later oversaw the construction of the Washington Aqueduct.
Born in 1807
Led the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, surrendering to Union forces at Appomattox, marking the war's effective end.
Born in 1824
A prominent Union general during the American Civil War, known for his heroic actions at Gettysburg, and later a presidential candidate.
