Nelson Appleton Miles – Civil War and Indian Fighter
Nelson Appleton Miles stands as a significant figure in American military history, distinguished by his service in three major conflicts: the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and the Spanish-American War. His career culminated in the position of Commanding General of the United States Army, a role that was abolished at the end of his tenure.
Born on August 8, 1839, near Westminster, Massachusetts, Nelson Appleton Miles’s early life offered little indication of the distinguished military career that lay ahead. Before the eruption of the Civil War, he worked in a crockery store, a far cry from the battlefields where he would later make his name. However, the call to arms ignited a passion within him, leading him to enlist as a volunteer in the Union Army in September 1861.
Miles quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating both bravery and tactical acumen. He participated in numerous critical battles during the Civil War, earning a promotion to lieutenant colonel in May 1862. His courage and leadership were further recognized after the Battle of Antietam, where he was promoted to Colonel. Throughout the war, he sustained wounds on four separate occasions, a testament to his frontline presence and dedication to the Union cause. He fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and many more battles.
Following the conclusion of the Civil War, Nelson Appleton Miles transitioned to a new theater of conflict: the American West. He played a prominent part in the army’s campaigns against the various tribes inhabiting the Great Plains. These campaigns were marked by complex political and social dynamics, as the United States sought to expand its control over the western territories.
In the winter of 1877, Miles demonstrated his tenacity and strategic thinking by leading his troops on a grueling forced march across Montana. The objective was to intercept the Nez Perce band, led by the renowned Chief Joseph. This band had previously evaded or defeated every military unit sent against it during a 1,500-mile retreat from Oregon towards the Canadian border. Miles’s successful interception of the Nez Perce, though controversial, added to his growing reputation as a capable and determined military leader.
His career wasn’t without controversy. In 1886, Nelson Appleton Miles replaced General George Crook as commander of the campaign against Geronimo in Arizona, a move that generated resentment and lasting animosity between the two officers. Crook had relied heavily on Apache scouts in his efforts to track and capture the Chiricahua leader. Miles, however, replaced them with white troops, leading to a grueling pursuit that spanned over 3,000 miles through the treacherous Sierra Madre Mountains.
Ultimately, Miles employed Apache scouts to negotiate Geronimo’s surrender, under the agreement that Geronimo and his followers would be exiled to a reservation in Florida. This exile was also extended to the Apache scouts who had aided Miles in the negotiations, despite their official status as enlisted members of the army. This perceived betrayal of loyal troops deeply offended Crook and created a rift between the two men that never healed. Nelson Appleton Miles’s actions in the Geronimo campaign remain a subject of debate, highlighting the complex ethical considerations that often arose during the Indian Wars.
The 1890 Ghost Dance movement on the Lakota reservations drew Miles back into the field. The Ghost Dance, a spiritual movement that promised a return to traditional ways and the removal of white settlers, sparked fear and unrest among government officials. Miles, seeking to restore peace in the region, directed troop movements that inadvertently contributed to panic among the Lakota bands, causing many to flee their reservations. These events led to the death of Sitting Bull and the tragic massacre of Big Foot’s band at Wounded Knee.
In the aftermath of Wounded Knee, Miles advocated for the forced disarmament of the Lakota and their placement under military control. This stance reflected his belief that a strong military presence was necessary to maintain order and prevent further conflict. His actions and policies during this period have been widely criticized for their harshness and insensitivity to the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Lakota people.
In 1895, Nelson Appleton Miles achieved the pinnacle of his military career when he was appointed Commanding General of the U.S. Army. He held this position throughout the Spanish-American War, during which he played a significant role in planning and executing military operations. In 1900, based on his performance in the war, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Following his retirement from active duty, Miles dedicated his time to writing and serving on various commissions. He authored several books reflecting on his military experiences and offering his perspectives on national defense and other issues. He remained a prominent figure in public life, often expressing his opinions on military and political matters.
Miles distinguished himself by serving as a commander in the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and the Spanish-American War. In his late 70s, he volunteered to serve in the army during World War I, but President Woodrow Wilson declined his offer. Miles died on May 15, 1925, at the age of 85. He was the last full-rank major general of the Civil War.
The legacy of Nelson Appleton Miles is complex and multifaceted. He was undoubtedly a skilled and courageous military leader, whose contributions to the Union cause during the Civil War and to the expansion of the United States across the American West cannot be denied. However, his actions during the Indian Wars, particularly his treatment of Native American tribes and his role in the events leading up to Wounded Knee, remain a source of controversy and criticism.
He was a product of his time, reflecting the prevailing attitudes and beliefs of the era. His career offers a valuable window into the historical context of the 19th century, a period of immense change and conflict in American history. Studying his life and career provides an opportunity to examine the complexities of military leadership, the ethical dilemmas of warfare, and the lasting impact of historical events on contemporary society.
In conclusion, Nelson Appleton Miles was a complex figure whose career spanned some of the most pivotal moments in American history. He was a decorated Civil War hero, a key figure in the Indian Wars, and the last Commanding General of the United States Army. While his military achievements are undeniable, his actions and policies during the Indian Wars remain a source of controversy and debate. His life and career offer valuable insights into the complexities of American history and the challenges of leadership in times of conflict.