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Benjamin Franklin Butler (November 5, 1818 – January 11, 1893) was an American major general of the Union Army, politician, lawyer, and businessman from Massachusetts. Born in New Hampshire and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, Butler was a political major general of the Union Army during the American Civil War and had a leadership ...
Benjamin F. Butler (born Nov. 5, 1818, Deerfield, N.H., U.S.—died Jan. 11, 1893, Washington, D.C.) was an American politician and army officer during the American Civil War (1861–65) who championed the rights of workers and black people.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- The Civil War Begins
- Big Bethel
- New Orleans
- Army of The James
- Later Career and Life
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Although he had shown sympathy to the South, Butler stated that he could not countenance the region's actions when states began to secede. As a result, he quickly began seeking a commission in the Union Army. As Massachusetts moved to respond to President Abraham Lincoln's call of volunteers, Butler used his political and banking connections to ens...
On June 10, more than a month before the First Battle of Bull Run, Butler launched an offensive operation against Colonel John B. Magruder's forces at Big Bethel. In the resulting Battle of Big Bethel, his troops were defeated and forced to withdraw back towards Fort Monroe. Though a minor engagement, the defeat received a great deal of attention i...
Following this success, Butler received command of the forces that occupied Ship Island off the Mississippi coast in December 1861. From this position, he moved to occupy New Orleans after the city's capture by Flag Officer David G. Farragut in April 1862. Reasserting Union control over New Orleans, Butler's administration of the area received mixe...
Despite Butler's weak record as a field commander and controversial tenure in New Orleans, his switch to the Republican Party and support from its Radical wing compelled Lincoln to give him a new assignment. Returning to Fort Monroe, he assumed command of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina in November 1863. The following April, Butler's ...
Returning to Lowell, Butler hoped to find a position in the Lincoln Administration but was thwarted when the president was assassinated in April. Formally leaving the military on November 30, he elected to resume his political career and won a seat in Congress the following year. In 1868, Butler played a key role in the impeachment and trial of Pre...
Learn about the life and career of Benjamin F. Butler, a controversial Union general who fought in Maryland, Virginia, and Louisiana. Find out how he became known as "Beast Butler" and what he did after the war.
Learn about the life and career of Benjamin F. Butler, one of the first major generals appointed by Abraham Lincoln and a controversial figure in the Civil War. Find out his achievements, controversies, and political activities in this biography.
Mar 6, 2024 · Learn about the life and career of Benjamin Franklin Butler, a prominent Union officer, politician and governor during the American Civil War. Explore his early years, military achievements, political controversies and legacy.
- Harry Searles
Aug 23, 2019 · Learn about Benjamin F. Butler, a major general in the Union Army during the Civil War who made the 'Contraband Decision' that enabled thousands of enslaved people to seek refuge behind Union lines. Find out his significance, biography, and legacy in military, political, and social history.
Aug 3, 2022 · Major General Benjamin Butler will never be accused of cutting a dashing figure. But there is far more than meets the eye to the man who enraged New Orleans. (National Archives)
