Brig. Gen. Israel B. Richardson, Killed Antietam 004 (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Brig. Gen. Israel B. Richardson, Killed at Antietam (U.S. Civil War) Brigadier General Israel Bush Richardson was a career United States Army officer who served during the Mexican-American War and became prominent during the American Civil War. He was killed in action on September 17, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, in Maryland. Richardson was born in Massachusetts in 1800 and graduated from West Point in 1821. He served in the Mexican-American War and was brevetted to colonel for his actions during the battle of Churubusco. During the Civil War, he commanded a brigade in the III Corps, Army of the Potomac. The Battle of Antietam was one of the bloodiest single days in American military history. Richardson led his troops courageously but was killed while rallying them during the fighting. His death was a significant loss for the Union forces and was widely mourned. Richardson's grave is located at Antietam National Cemetery, near where he fell. He remains an important figure in American military history, remembered for his bravery and leadership during the Civil War.