Birth of Benjamin Butler:
November 5, 1818, Deerfield, New Hampshire
Death:
January, 11, 1893, Washington, D.C.
Education:
Graduated from Waterbury now Colby College, 1838.
Major Accomplishment:
- Served as a Democrat to the Massachusetts state legislature beginning in 1853.
- His political following gained him a an appointment as a General in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War.
- He occupied New Orleans after its capture by Admiral Farragut, he was eventually dismissed for mismanagement.
- Radical Republican in the House of Representatives from 1867-75, 1877-79.
- He played a leading role in the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.
- Elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1882.
- Greenback Party Presidential Candidate in 1884.
Significance of Benjamin Butler:
- A Civil War general that goes on to an extensive politcal career as a Radical Republican.
- He was a leader in the impeachment of Johnson and later as a presidential candidate.