People Name: Lyon, Nathaniel Profession: Politician Born/Started: Jul. 14, 1818 Died/Ended: Aug. 10, 1861 Description: Nathaniel Lyon was the commander of the St. Louis Arsenal at the start of the Civil War. Born in Ashford, CT in 1818, he attended West Point and fought in the Mexican-American War. He was ordered to St. Louis in 1861 and given command of the federal troops on March 13. On May 10 he lead the march on the pro-Confederate forces at Camp Jackson and forced them to surrender. Lyon became the commander of the Department of the West on May 31. He captured Jefferson City and Booneville from the Confederates in June. He was killed during the Battle of Wilson Creek on August 10, 1861. He left his entire estate ($300,000) to the U.S. government for the preservation of the Union. Lyon Park was named for him. There is also a painting of the Battle of Wilson Creek by N.C. Wyeth in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. |
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