Nathaniel Lyon

Nathaniel Lyon

April 4th 1818, congressed decides that the flag that was to represent the United States would consist of 13 red and white stripes, and 20 stars. On May 4th Britain and the Netherlands sign a treaty against illegal slave handling. On July 14th, Nathaniel Lyon was born and would become a historical figure that played a role in the Civil war (The Civil War In Missouri).

Nathaniel was born in Ashford, Connecticut and he was the seventh child born of nine. His father served as the justice of the peace. Besides being justice of the piece, his father was also a farmer where he helped out while attending school.

Wanting more than being a farmer, Nathaniel applied to West Point. He was accepted in 1837 and completed training in 1841 at the age of 23. He would be one of the 22 graduates that participated in the Civil War as a Union officer. Twelve of his classmates would side with the Confederate States of America.

After graduating 52nd in his class, Nathaniel was attached to the 2nc U.S. Infantry Regiment. He participated in the Seminole in Florida and transitioned over to the Mexican war. Apparently Nathaniel was known to have somewhat of a temper. After his time in Florida, he was suspended for five months for his aggressive treatment of a private.

The Mexican War was underway and Nathaniel was in the thick of it. As such as many, Nathaniel was wounded during this war. The duration of the war was just a few years, 1846-1848. This lead to Nathaniel’s promotion to captain and he also received brevet of bravery.

Nathaniel was dispatched to California to help eliminated the Indians. Indians at the time received worse treatment and had fewer rights than the black man. The massacre at Clear Lake is not one of Nathaniel’s more popular actions.

Basically, two individuals purchased a farm (beef farm) from a local Mexican. The farm was run by slaved Indians. During this time the gold rush was up and running and one of the men took several of the...