Benjamin H. Grierson, Maj. General (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Benjamin H. Grierson, Maj. General (U.S. Civil War) Benjamin Henry Grierson was a Union major general during the American Civil War, known primarily for his role in organizing and leading the Great Raid of 1863, also referred to as Grierson's Raid. Born on March 20, 1826, in Ohio, he served in both the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Prior to his military career, Grierson was a lawyer and newspaper editor. During the Civil War, Grierson was instrumental in organizing a series of sabotage operations that aimed at cutting off Confederate supply lines through Mississippi by destroying railroads, bridges, and telegraph lines. The most famous of these raids took place from April 17 to June 3, 1863, with a force of approximately 1,700 Union cavalry troops. This raid, popularly known as Grierson's Raid or the Great Mississippi Cavalry Raid, resulted in significant disruption of Confederate communications and supply lines across Mississippi. Despite his accomplishments, Grierson was often criticized for his unconventional tactics and his apparent lack of success in traditional battles. He retired from military service after the war and returned to civilian life, living until 1901. Benjamin H. Grierson's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to Union efforts during the American Civil War, particularly through strategic operations such as the Great Raid of 1863.