The Military History of Major General Israel B. Richardson
Abstract
The American Civil War of 1861-1865 was a conflict that
created many heroes and just as many martyrs. Over 620,000
soldiers were killed over the span of this conflict (which equaled
out to one soldier in four.) The war tore the very fabric of
American society apart, and the issues it confronted, such as
slavery and states rights, have effects that have lasted to the
present day. While the conflict was over noble ideas and issues,
the battles were fought by common men from the North and the
South that had very similar backgrounds.
This project will examine the military career of Israel Bush
Richardson, a Michigan native from Pontiac and a Major General of
the United States Army, after briefly examining the organization
of the U.S. Army. His career spanned over 25 years, from his
entrance in West Point in 1836 to his death in Pontiac in
November of 1862 from a wound sustained at the Battle of
Antetiam. Affectionately know to the newspapers and historical
works as "Fighting Dick" and more commonly to his troops as
"Dirty Dick, II his military service was typical of a man who
devoted most of his life to the service of his country. A gifted
military tactician, his reputation as a brave, intelligent,
courageous and hard charging soldier earned him respect from
both the Federal and Confederate Armies.