Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Benjamin McCulloch

Benjamin McCulloch (November 11, 1811 – March 7, 1862) was an American frontiersman, Texas Ranger captain, and Confederate brigadier general who distinguished himself in the , Indian campaigns, the Mexican-American War, and the early . Born in , McCulloch moved to in 1835 and participated in the Texas army's decisive victory at the in 1836, where he earned a commission as first lieutenant. As a Texas Ranger under , he fought warriors at the in 1840 and conducted scouting operations against Mexican incursions in 1842, establishing a reputation as an effective Indian fighter and scout. During the Mexican-American War, he commanded Company A of the First Regiment, Texas Mounted Volunteers, and was promoted to major following reconnaissance duties at the in 1847. Later serving as United States marshal for the Eastern District of and as a peace commissioner to the in in 1858, McCulloch aligned with the upon the outbreak of . Commissioned a colonel in the Texas state troops in 1861 and promoted to in the Confederate army on May 11 of that year, he led forces to victory at the on August 10, 1861, before being mortally wounded by a sharpshooter at the on March 7, 1862.

Early Life and Migration

Family Background and Tennessee Upbringing

Benjamin McCulloch was born on November 11, 1811, in , as the fourth son among twelve children born to Alexander McCulloch and Frances Fisher LeNoir McCulloch. His father, Alexander, a graduate descended from early American settler Captain Nicolas Martiau, worked as a farmer and surveyor after serving in various capacities, including as a major in militia units. His mother, Frances, hailed from a prominent planter family, reflecting the McCullochs' ties to Southern agrarian roots despite their migratory lifestyle. The McCulloch family relocated frequently during Benjamin's early years, shifting between North Carolina, Alabama, and multiple locations in eastern and western Tennessee amid economic pressures and frontier opportunities common to early 19th-century Southern families. By 1830, they had settled in Dyer County, Tennessee, near the Mississippi River, where the household engaged in farming on modest holdings. These moves exposed young McCulloch to a rugged, self-reliant environment shaped by agrarian labor and regional instability, fostering skills in horsemanship and marksmanship that later defined his career. Formal education in the family was limited, though two of McCulloch's older brothers briefly attended a local school taught by Samuel Houston, a neighboring family friend and future Texas leader, highlighting indirect connections to influential figures in Tennessee society. The household's circumstances, while not affluent, benefited from the father's professional background and the mother's familial status, yet emphasized practical survival over scholarly pursuits in the antebellum South's expanding frontier.

Journey to Texas and Initial Settlement

Benjamin McCulloch, born on November 11, 1811, in , spent his early adulthood engaged in farming, hunting, and flatboat rafting along the and rivers, with limited formal education. Influenced by family acquaintance David Crockett, who had decided to emigrate to , McCulloch resolved to follow him there in pursuit of better opportunities on the frontier. In the winter of 1835, McCulloch departed Rutherford County with his brothers Henry and Sam, aiming to rendezvous with Crockett's party in Nacogdoches by Day. The group separated from Crockett's expedition in due to delays, and the McCulloch brothers reached Nacogdoches in January 1836, arriving too late to join Crockett at the Alamo, which fell on March 6. Upon entering Texas, McCulloch promptly enlisted in the under , participating in the decisive on April 21, 1836, where Texian forces routed the Mexican army led by . For his service, he received a commission as a lieutenant of infantry. Following the establishment of the Republic of Texas, McCulloch transitioned to civilian pursuits, leveraging skills learned from his father to work as a land surveyor in the Gonzales area. He settled in Gonzales, opening a surveying office and contributing to the mapping and allocation of lands in the burgeoning republic, where his brother Henry joined him around 1837.

Service in the Texas Republic

Participation in the Texas Revolution

McCulloch arrived in in late 1835, intending to rendezvous with David Crockett at Nacogdoches on Christmas Day, but arrived after Crockett had departed for . Contracting en route, he recovered in time to avoid the fall of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, and instead joined Sam Houston's retreating army during the toward [East Texas](/page/East Texas). Enlisting at a camp near the in present-day Waller County, McCulloch served in Captain Isaac N. Moreland's Company of Artillery. In the decisive on April 21, 1836, he manned one of the Twin Sisters cannons, the pair of artillery pieces donated by citizens that proved crucial to the Texian victory, and commanded the guns effectively before abandoning his post to join the final charge against Mexican forces under . His actions earned him a battlefield commission as first lieutenant of artillery. After the battle, McCulloch transferred to Captain William H. Smith's cavalry company and continued service until resigning in July 1836, briefly returning to Tennessee before reentering Texas that fall with thirty men under Captain Robert Crockett. His contributions to the revolution qualified him for a Republic of Texas bounty land grant, typical for veterans of San Jacinto who received 640 acres for infantry or artillery service, though exact acreage for McCulloch varied by certification.

Texas Ranger Duties and Indian Campaigns

Following Texas independence in 1836, McCulloch joined the , where he served as first lieutenant under Captain . His primary duties encompassed frontier scouting, safeguarding settlements from depredations by and other indigenous groups, and conducting retaliatory operations to deter raids and recover captives or property. These efforts on the volatile border earned him widespread recognition as a proficient Indian fighter during the era. A pivotal engagement occurred at the on August 12, 1840, in response to the earlier that summer, which had sacked and Linnville, killed dozens of , and seized hundreds of and under Chief . McCulloch scouted the raiders' trail and commanded the right wing of the volunteer force, comprising Rangers and militia totaling around 200 men under leaders including Mathew Caldwell and . The Texans intercepted the encumbered party—estimated at 400 to 1,000 warriors—near present-day Lockhart, routing them in a running fight that killed up to 80 Indians while suffering only seven Texan fatalities. The victory enabled recovery of stolen horses, goods, and several , bolstering frontier morale and temporarily curbing incursions into settled areas. In spring 1841, McCulloch directed 16 mounted volunteers against an encampment near the Llano River's mouth in what is now Llano County. Tracking the group after reports of local threats, his command assaulted the site at dawn, slaying five warriors and wounding about half of the survivors; eight Indians fled unscathed. The Texans sustained no losses and seized the band's horses, saddles, blankets, robes, and other matériel, exemplifying the Rangers' tactical emphasis on swift, decisive strikes to disrupt hostile operations without prolonged exposure. McCulloch's Ranger tenure underscored the precarious balance of expansionist settlement against nomadic tribal resistance, with his units prioritizing mobility and intelligence to counter on the open plains. Such campaigns, though yielding tactical successes, reflected the broader, attritional contest over Texas's western frontiers amid limited resources and recurring violence.

Involvement in the Regulator-Moderator War

During the period of the Regulator-Moderator War (1839–1844), a violent feud between vigilante factions in counties such as Harrison and Shelby over issues of lawlessness, debt collection, and local power, Benjamin McCulloch served primarily as a Texas Ranger in rather than participating directly in the conflict. No contemporary records indicate his involvement in the disturbances, which were quelled by militia forces dispatched by President on August 15, 1844, under leaders including Travis G. Broocks and Alexander Horton, culminating in a peace agreement signed by representatives of both sides. McCulloch's Ranger duties under Captain John Coffee (Jack) Hays from around 1839 focused on frontier defense, including scouting and combat against and other Native American raids near Gonzales and Seguin, where he earned recognition as an effective Indian fighter and lieutenant. McCulloch's activities aligned with the Rangers' mandate for border protection amid broader challenges, such as Mexican incursions and Indian warfare, rather than internal civil disputes like the Regulator-Moderator conflict, which involved over 600 deaths and required separate state intervention. In 1840, for instance, he participated in Ranger expeditions responding to threats from the south and west, contributing to the force's reputation for mobility and marksmanship in mounted warfare. This division of roles reflected the Republic's limited resources, with Rangers prioritized for external threats while militia handled localized feuds.

Mexican-American War

Enlistment in Texas Ranger Units

At the outbreak of the Mexican–American War on April 25, 1846, Benjamin McCulloch, drawing on his established reputation as a Ranger from prior service, raised a company of mounted volunteers in Gonzales to serve as scouts and spies for the . This volunteer force was formally organized as Company A, First of Mounted Volunteers, under the overall command of Colonel , a fellow Ranger captain known for his leadership in Indian campaigns. McCulloch received a commission as captain of the company, which specialized in and gathering rather than line infantry duties, reflecting the Rangers' traditional role in on the . The company mustered into federal service in June 1846 near the , joining General Taylor's of Occupation as its advance scouting element amid escalating tensions following forces' crossing of the . McCulloch's unit, numbering approximately 100 men equipped with rifles, pistols, and horses suited for rapid mobility, was positioned to screen Taylor's movements and detect enemy positions in the arid terrain of . This enlistment built directly on McCulloch's earlier experience, including his 1842 service as under Hays, enabling quick recruitment of experienced frontiersmen familiar with guerrilla tactics against . Taylor soon appointed McCulloch as chief scout for the , underscoring the company's strategic value in providing timely intelligence that informed early campaign decisions.

Major Campaigns and Battles

At the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in spring 1846, McCulloch raised a company of Texas Rangers that became Company A of Colonel John Coffee Hays's First Regiment of Texas Mounted Volunteers, mustered into federal service for Zachary Taylor's army. As Taylor's chief scout, McCulloch led reconnaissance missions and daring raids into Mexican territory, providing essential intelligence on enemy positions and movements during the northern campaign. McCulloch's company fought in the from September 21 to 24, 1846, operating as to support the U.S. and urban assaults against Mexican defenders under Pedro de Ampudia. Their scouting disrupted Mexican supply lines and prevented reinforcements, contributing to the city's capitulation after five days of heavy fighting that resulted in over 500 American casualties. In the lead-up to the on February 22–23, 1847, McCulloch conducted critical scouting expeditions that revealed Antonio López de Santa Anna's army outnumbered Taylor's force by more than four to one, with approximately 15,000–20,000 Mexican troops facing 4,700 Americans. This intelligence shaped Taylor's defensive preparations in the mountain pass near , where McCulloch's rangers also engaged in skirmishes; the ensuing battle ended in a tactical U.S. victory despite severe losses on both sides. McCulloch's wartime service culminated in his promotion to major.

Antebellum Frontier and Political Roles

Continued Indian Wars and Scouting

Following the conclusion of the Mexican- War in 1848, McCulloch returned to and enlisted as a under Brevet , commander of U.S. forces in the Department of , where he conducted reconnaissance missions amid persistent frontier threats from and other Native tribes raiding settlements. These efforts built on his prior experience, focusing on intelligence gathering to protect expanding Anglo- communities along the western borders, though specific engagements during this brief tenure remain sparsely documented. Twiggs's command prioritized defensive operations against nomadic raiders who continued depredations into the early statehood period, with McCulloch's role leveraging his proven skills in tracking and mounted scouting acquired in earlier campaigns like Plum Creek. By mid-1849, McCulloch departed for the , curtailing his immediate duties, but upon his return in 1852, he resumed frontier-oriented activities through land surveying in contested areas prone to hostilities. His expertise informed ongoing U.S. strategies for containing tribal movements, as Texas settlers faced recurrent attacks—such as incursions numbering over 100 reported raids annually in the —necessitating vigilant to map safe routes and sites. McCulloch's contributions in this underscored the causal dynamics of expansion, where empirical directly countered the mobility and guerrilla tactics of Plains tribes, reducing isolated casualties through preemptive rather than large-scale offensives. No major battles are attributed to him post-war, reflecting a shift toward institutional federal defenses over ad hoc units.

Appointment as U.S. Marshal and Civic Contributions

Benjamin McCulloch received his appointment as Marshal for the Eastern District of in 1852 from President . He held the position through the Pierce and Buchanan administrations, serving nearly eight years until 's from the in 1861. Operating under federal judge John Charles Watrous, McCulloch enforced laws in a district encompassing coastal and frontier territories marked by ongoing land disputes, fugitive pursuits, and tensions with Native American groups. In this role, McCulloch executed federal court orders, apprehended criminals, and safeguarded judicial proceedings amid the challenges of sparse population and rudimentary infrastructure on the frontier. His service contributed to federal authority's extension into newly annexed territories, where local often competed with formal . A notable civic contribution beyond his marshal duties occurred in 1858, when President dispatched McCulloch as one of two peace commissioners to . Tasked with negotiating an end to the Mormon uprising known as the , McCulloch engaged and Mormon elders, delivering presidential terms that included a and troop withdrawal assurances; historical accounts credit his diplomatic efforts with preventing escalated bloodshed. This mission highlighted McCulloch's utility in federal crisis resolution outside , leveraging his frontier negotiation experience.

Confederate Military Service

Commission as Brigadier General

Following Texas's from the on February 1, 1861, Benjamin McCulloch was commissioned as a and authorized to secure federal military posts within the state. On February 16, 1861, he negotiated the peaceful surrender of the arsenal in from Major General , thereby transferring significant federal armaments and supplies to Confederate control without bloodshed. On May 11, 1861, Confederate President appointed McCulloch as a in the , designating him the second-ranking overall and the first drawn from the civilian sector rather than prior military ranks. This commission bypassed intermediate grades, reflecting Davis's recognition of McCulloch's proven leadership in and frontier operations. The appointment capitalized on McCulloch's extensive prior experience, including combat in the , command of Texas Ranger companies against Native American tribes, scouting duties in the Mexican-American War, and his tenure as U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas, which equipped him to organize forces in the underdefended . Shortly thereafter, McCulloch received orders to assume command in the , establishing headquarters at , to form what became the Army of the West.

Commands in the Trans-Mississippi Theater

Following his commission as on May 11, 1861, Benjamin McCulloch assumed command of Confederate forces in the District of before transferring to the , where he organized military operations and advanced into to counter Union incursions. In collaboration with leader —despite personal and strategic tensions—McCulloch directed approximately 10,000–12,000 combined troops at the on August 10, 1861, achieving a tactical victory over Union forces under , who was killed in the engagement. This success secured Confederate control in southwestern temporarily but highlighted command frictions, as McCulloch prioritized and defenses over Price's Missouri-focused ambitions. Subsequently, McCulloch commanded the Army of the West, comprising regiments from , , , and , with his forces numbering around 8,000 men positioned in the south of , by late January 1862. In February 1862, his command fell under Earl Van Dorn's oversight as part of efforts to consolidate Trans-Mississippi defenses against advancing armies. At the on March 7–8, 1862, McCulloch led the Confederate right wing, including his division of , , and troops, initiating assaults near Leetown that initially overran positions on the Federal left flank. His forces demonstrated effective maneuvering in the rugged terrain, but the command structure suffered disarray following his fatal wounding while personally scouting enemy lines.

Alliances with Native American Tribes

Following his commission as on May 11, 1861, McCulloch assumed command of Confederate forces in the , where he prioritized forging military alliances with Native American tribes to secure the frontier and augment his army against incursions. Working in coordination with Confederate commissioner , McCulloch helped negotiate treaties and pacts with tribes including the , , , , and , leveraging promises of protection and autonomy to gain their support for the Confederate cause. These alliances enabled McCulloch to organize Native American units into Confederate service, raising at least two Cherokee regiments: the First Cherokee Mounted Rifles under Colonel and the Second Cherokee Mounted Rifles under Colonel John Drew, both of which provided for scouting and combat roles. McCulloch integrated these forces, numbering around 3,000 warriors from allied tribes, into his Army of the West, using them to patrol and support offensives into and . The tribal contingents proved valuable for their knowledge of terrain but faced internal divisions, as pro-Union factions within tribes like the resisted full commitment. McCulloch's efforts culminated in deploying these allied Native troops during the 1861–1862 campaigns, including at the on March 7, 1862, where and other warriors under Watie fought on the Confederate right wing, overrunning Union artillery positions before McCulloch's death disrupted coordination. Despite initial successes in rallying tribal support, the alliances strained under logistical shortages and Pike's disputes with McCulloch over command authority, contributing to faltering Confederate control in the region after Pea Ridge.

Death at the Battle of Pea Ridge

During the Battle of Pea Ridge on March 7, 1862, in Benton County, Arkansas, Brigadier General Benjamin McCulloch commanded the Confederate right wing, comprising troops from Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, as part of Major General Earl Van Dorn's Army of the West. His forces initially overran a Union battery and routed portions of the Federal army, but Union reinforcements under Brigadier General Samuel R. Curtis shifted the momentum. McCulloch, known for his hands-on leadership style honed in frontier scouting, personally advanced to reconnoiter Union positions near Leetown after reports of enemy activity. Accompanied by a small escort, McCulloch rode through dense brush and emerged from a into view of Union skirmishers from the 36th Infantry positioned behind a rail fence. A volley from the Federals struck him in the chest, piercing his heart and killing him instantly before he reached the ground; his body was partially concealed in the underbrush. Although Private Peter of the 36th was officially credited with the fatal shot, the exact shooter remains unconfirmed due to the chaos of combat. News of McCulloch's death spread rapidly among his troops, sowing despair and disorganization at a critical juncture. His second-in-command, James McQueen McIntosh, was killed shortly thereafter while leading a charge, exacerbating the command vacuum. These losses halted Confederate advances and contributed to the overall defeat, forcing Van Dorn's forces to retreat eastward on March 8. McCulloch's remains were initially buried in , before being reinterred in the in Austin.

Legacy and Historical Assessment

Evaluations of Military Leadership

Benjamin McCulloch's military leadership was characterized by extensive experience in irregular warfare as a Texas Ranger and scout, rather than formal academy training, which enabled effective small-unit tactics and reconnaissance but proved limiting in coordinating larger conventional forces. Historians have noted his practical approach to terrain and operations, with Confederate Sergeant William Watson describing him as "a thoroughly practical general" for his attention to the Ozark landscape during campaigns. However, his absence of West Point education contributed to oversights in strategic appointments, as Confederate President passed him over for broader Trans-Mississippi command despite his field successes. McCulloch demonstrated strong leadership in achieving victories against numerical odds, most notably at the on August 10, 1861, where he commanded Confederate and forces that routed Nathaniel Lyon's army despite inferior armament and organization. His initiative in securing the surrender of federal forces and arsenal in earlier that year in February 1861 further highlighted his ability to leverage local loyalties and rapid action in securing for the . These successes stemmed from his ranger background, emphasizing mobility, scouting, and alliances, such as with Native American tribes in the . Criticisms of McCulloch centered on interpersonal conflicts and tactical impulsiveness that undermined unified command. He harbored contempt for Sterling Price's , viewing it as an "undisciplined mob" requiring firm oversight, which fueled a feud that hampered cooperation in the . At the on March 7, 1862, McCulloch's decision to personally reconnoiter Union lines—reflecting overconfidence from his scouting expertise—exposed him to fatal rifle fire from federal skirmishers, occurring early in the engagement and causing immediate disarray in his division. This loss stalled Confederate momentum on the right wing, where his troops had initially overrun Union positions, and exacerbated command fragmentation under successors. Historical assessments regard McCulloch as the most capable Confederate commander available in at the time, with his death marking a turning point that doomed southern prospects in the region by depriving the army of experienced frontier leadership amid ongoing organizational challenges. While effective in asymmetric conflicts, his style—suited to raids rather than sustained army-level operations—highlighted the Confederacy's broader difficulties in adapting irregular fighters to demands.

Postwar Recognition and Memorials

His remains were initially buried near the site of the in , following his death on March 7, 1862, but were later exhumed and reinterred in the in Austin on October 10, 1875, alongside his mother, Frances LeNoir McCulloch; a joint monument was erected there at a cost of $1,000 to commemorate both. In 1896, Camp Ben McCulloch was established near in , as a reunion ground for Confederate veterans, reflecting ongoing veneration among former soldiers for his leadership in the . A state historical marker dedicated to "General Ben McCulloch, C.S.A." was erected in 1964 by the Texas Historical Survey Committee, highlighting his command at the victory of Wilson Creek, , in 1861 and his death at Pea Ridge; the marker underscores his role as a Texas-born without broader contextual critique. At the Pea Ridge National Military Park in , a postwar Confederate memorial commemorates the fallen generals from the battle, including McCulloch, James McIntosh, and William Slack, with specific notation of his leadership of the Confederate right wing; an additional monument there honors Texans who served under him. McCulloch's induction into the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame recognizes his prewar frontier service and scouting contributions, positioning him among 30 Rangers commemorated for sacrifices in defense of settlements, though his command is also noted in the entry.

Interpretations of Confederate Role and Frontier Contributions

Historians assess McCulloch's Confederate role as that of a pragmatic commander leveraging his frontier expertise in and terrain navigation, though his self-taught tactics proved insufficient for sustaining coordinated large-scale operations following early successes. Commissioned as a on May 11, 1861, by , he led the Army of the West to victory at Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861, where his forces, despite being poorly equipped, routed Union troops under , securing for the temporarily. This triumph, attributed to his practical leadership and disdain for rigid military protocol, highlighted his strengths as a "thoroughly practical general" focused on operational realities over pomp, as noted by subordinate Sergeant William Watson. However, McCulloch's death by Union gunfire on March 7, 1862, during initial advances at the , is interpreted as a critical turning point that precipitated Confederate disarray in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. His absence triggered command breakdowns, including the subsequent deaths of subordinates John McIntosh and , leading to retreat and the loss of , which historians like Thomas W. Cutrer argue doomed Southern prospects in the region by depriving the of its most capable Arkansas-based leader—a flamboyant Texan excelling in scouting but lacking formal training for sustained conventional command. While effective in forging alliances, such as treaties with and tribes to raise Native units, his overall Confederate tenure is viewed as transitional, bridging guerrilla-style frontier defense to structured army roles yet undermined by irreplaceable personal loss. McCulloch's contributions, particularly as a Texas Ranger and Indian fighter, are evaluated as foundational to security, embodying the ranger tradition of mobile, self-reliant defense against raids and Mexican incursions. Joining John Coffee Hays's company in , he participated in the decisive on August 12, 1840, which disrupted power and protected settlements, earning him recognition as an outstanding combat leader and scout. His service as chief scout under in the Mexican-American War (1846–1847), involving reconnaissance at Monterey and Buena Vista, further demonstrated his terrain mastery, prompting Taylor's praise and promotion to major for exemplary intelligence gathering. These exploits are interpreted by historians as pivotal in taming the , where McCulloch's experience—emphasizing rapid response over formal lines—directly informed Confederate strategies like Native alliances and Trans-Mississippi maneuvers, though some analyses, such as in reviews of military traditions, note relative underemphasis on his phase compared to later campaigns. Overall, his pre-war efforts secured vast territories for , reducing threats through decisive engagements and surveys, establishing him as an influential figure in republican Texas's expansionist defense ethos.

References

  1. [1]
    McCulloch, Benjamin - Texas State Historical Association
    Jul 31, 2020 · Explore the life of Ben McCulloch, an influential Texas Ranger, Confederate general, and Indian fighter, from his early years in Tennessee ...
  2. [2]
    Benjamin McCulloch | American Battlefield Trust
    On May 11, 1861, McCulloch received a commission as brigadier general in the Confederate army, and was placed in charge of troops in Arkansas.Missing: Ranger | Show results with:Ranger
  3. [3]
    McCulloch, Benjamin(1811 Nov 11 - 1862 Mar 7)
    Born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, November 11, 1811, as son of Major Alexander and Frances F. (LeNoir) McCulloch and was raised in Dyer County, Tennessee.
  4. [4]
    Famed Gen. Ben McCulloch had his roots in Jefferson
    Ben McCulloch, a military maverick, was born in Jefferson on November 11, 1811. He gained fame in the Texas Revolution, Mexican War (as a Texas Ranger) and as ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Benjamin McCulloch (1811–1862) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
    Jun 16, 2023 · Benjamin McCulloch served in the War for Texas Independence and the Mexican War, and as a United States marshal, before becoming a brigadier general in the ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Benjamin McCulloch Texas Ranger Hall OF Fame
    McCulloch, commanding the Confederate right wing in the Battle of Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862, overran and drove the Union forces from their position. Riding ...
  7. [7]
    Benjamin McCulloch, Soldier, Frontiersman, Texas Ranger
    Aug 20, 2020 · During McCulloch's youth, his family moved often, living in Alabama, North Carolina, and eastern and western Tennessee. In 1830, the McCulloch ...Missing: background upbringing
  8. [8]
    Benjamin McCulloch | A Continent Divided: The U.S. Mexico War
    In 1861, the Texas Committee on Public Safety appointed McCulloch a colonel in the Texas Confederate Army. The colonel proceeded to San Antonio and persuaded ...
  9. [9]
    https://sites.libraries.uta.edu/usmexicowar/node/4857
  10. [10]
    Plum Creek, Battle of - Texas State Historical Association
    Jan 3, 2022 · Mathew Caldwell, and others and with Texas Rangers under Ben McCulloch overtook the Indians at Plum Creek in the vicinity of the present town of ...
  11. [11]
    Fight of Ben McCulloch's Men on the Llano - Fort Tours
    Only about eight of the original twenty-two escaped unharmed. Ben McCulloch and his men also captured the Indians' horses, saddles, equipage, blankets, robes ...
  12. [12]
    The Regulator-Moderator War: A Feud in East Texas (1839-1844)
    ### Summary of Who Ended the Regulator-Moderator War and Involvement of Texas Rangers/Benjamin McCulloch
  13. [13]
    Texas Rangers - Texas State Historical Association
    Jan 11, 2023 · Explore the rich history of the Texas Rangers, from their formation in 1835 to their role in modern law enforcement.
  14. [14]
    Benjamin McCulloch - Battle of Pea Ridge - Civil War Virtual Museum
    McCulloch served under Houston during the Texas Revolution; after Texas independence he became a Texas Ranger and earned a reputation as an Indian fighter.
  15. [15]
    General McCulloch - Pea Ridge National Military Park (U.S. National ...
    Apr 10, 2015 · Benjamin McCulloch was a tough frontiersman who commanded the Confederate troops from Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. Born in Tennessee in 1811, ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  16. [16]
    1862 January 29th - American Civil War High Command
    ... Trans-Mississippi District at Pocahontas. At this time, Brigadier-General Benjamin McCulloch had 8,000 men in the Boston Mountains south of Fayetteville.
  17. [17]
    Native American Combatants in the Civil War | Research Starters
    Shortly afterward, General Ben McCulloch raised two American Indian regiments: one led by Colonel John Drew and the other by Colonel Stand Watie.
  18. [18]
    Native American Combat at Pea Ridge—Facts and Controversies
    He commanded the regiment at Pea Ridge and was the last Confederate general to surrender in the Civil War. [2] Cherokee involvement at Pea Ridge was significant ...
  19. [19]
    Pike, McCulloch, and the Five Civilized Tribes, 1861-1862.
    While Pike signed treaties with the tribes, McCulloch began organizing the Indians as Confederate soldiers. Pike took over equipping and training the various ...Missing: Native | Show results with:Native
  20. [20]
    Man in Black's Death at Pea Ridge Dooms Southern Prospects in ...
    Sep 17, 2019 · Flamboyant Texan Ben McCulloch was the best leader the Confederates had in Arkansas. ... Trans-Mississippi Theater. The Battle of Pea Ridge was a ...
  21. [21]
    Pea Ridge Battle Facts and Summary | American Battlefield Trust
    Gens. Ben McCulloch and James McQueen McIntosh, were killed in the action, halting the Rebel momentum. By nightfall, the Confederates controlled Elkhorn Tavern ...
  22. [22]
    Gen Benjamin McCulloch (1811-1862) - Memorials - Find a Grave
    Birth: 11 Nov 1811. Rutherford County, Tennessee, USA ; Death: 7 Mar 1862 (aged 50). Benton County, Arkansas, USA ; Burial. Texas State Cemetery. Austin, Travis ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Camp Ben McCulloch - Texas State Historical Association
    Dec 1, 1994 · In 1930 Ben McCulloch was said to be the largest Confederate camp in existence. The last reunion, the Golden Jubilee, was held on August 9, 1946 ...
  24. [24]
    General Ben McCulloch, C.S.A. - The Historical Marker Database
    President Jefferson Davis offered him first general staff commission in the Civil War. Made a brigadier general on May 14, 1861, he had charge of troops in ...
  25. [25]
    Pea Ridge Battlefield Monuments - The Civil War Muse
    A memorial to the Confederates that died at the Battle of Pea Ridge. In particular it memorializes, Generals Ben McCulloch, James McIntosh, and William Slack.Missing: postwar | Show results with:postwar
  26. [26]
    Pea Ridge Texas Monument - The Civil War Muse
    “Brig. Gen. Ben McCulloch of Texas was killed in the action – 'A bolder soldier never died for his country,' - Van Dorn. “A memorial to Texans who served the ...
  27. [27]
    [PDF] TEXAS RANGER MASON'S HONOR RESTORED
    McCulloch fought with General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto commanding one of the famous Twin Sisters cannons and won a battlefield commission to ...
  28. [28]
    Ben McCulloch and the Frontier Military Tradition (review)
    as a Ranger in the Texas Republic surprisingly receives far less attention than his exploits in the U.S. Army in Mexico or at Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge.