Gen. Nathaniel Lyon

Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon (1818–1861) was one of the Union's first and most determined leaders in the Civil War, whose bold actions helped keep Missouri from joining the Confederacy. Through decisive leadership at Camp Jackson, Boonville, and across the opening months of the conflict, Lyon preserved Federal control over the state despite overwhelming political and military challenges. On August 10, 1861, at the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, Missouri, Lyon became the first Union general killed in combat. After having two horses shot beneath him and suffering multiple wounds, he refused to leave the field, personally leading a final charge before falling at the head of his troops. His courage and selfless sacrifice became a symbol of unwavering devotion to the Union, and his death transformed him into one of the Civil War's earliest and most revered heroes.