Bg Lyon Characteristics

He was the first General Officer to be killed during the American Civil War and could be found slathering mustard on bread in the midst of battle. Brigadier General (BG) Lyon was one of the most respected and most renowned officers during the American Civil War. His men followed him throughout the most dangerous battles, willing and ready to fight to the death for him. BG Lyon participated in four major American battles throughout his tenure in the military and was a true patriot who believed God, country, and family were the principles every man should live by. A native of Connecticut, Nathaniel Lyon was born July 14, 1818 in Ashford, Connecticut and Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1841 at the age of 23. Upon completion
Infantry stationed outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Although Missouri was more of a neutral state throughout the American Civil War there were several characters who strongly encouraged Missouri to choose a side. Governor Claiborne Jackson was a Missouri state legislator who sympathized with the Confederate Army. BG Lyon and Governor Jackson did not see eye to eye on most issues and this would be no different. President Abraham Lincoln requested that Missouri supply four regiments to support the Federal Army and help defeat the Confederates that were making their way up to St. Louis. Governor Jackson refused this request and quickly mobilized the Missouri State Guard to conduct home defense training outside the
The Missouri State Guard, about 75 miles southwest of Lyon and under the command of Price, met with troops under BG Benjamin McCulloch near the end of July. The combined Confederate forces numbered about 12,000, formed plans to attack Springfield, and marched northeast on July 31. The armies met at dawn a few miles southwest of Springfield on the morning of August 10 in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Lyon was shot in the head and leg during the battle before his horse was shot and killed under him. He returned to Union lines and commandeered a bay horse ridden by Major McElhaney of the Missouri