Serving the Republic: General Nelson A. Miles

One of the most remarkable military careers in American history, the life of Nelson A. Miles encompasses the sweep of the American Civil War, the Indian Wars, and the Spanish American War. As a college-educated volunteer officer in the Civil War, Miles fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania Courthouse, and the Wilderness, among other important campaigns, and was wounded four times. A major-general at only 26, he was a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions at Chancellorsville. As a commander in the Indian Wars, he had admiration and respect for many of the Indians he met, despite carrying out a ferocious war to subdue them. Under his command, the massacre at Wounded Knee occurred. Miles was not present, criticized the officer at the scene, and lobbied later for compensation to the survivors. He had face-to-face negotiations with Sitting Bull shortly after Custer's defeat at the Little Bighorn, and later met with Geronimo (accepting his surrender), Chief Joseph, Natchez, and other leading Native Americans. Miles eventually retired as Commander of the Army in 1903.