Iron Brigade General: John Gibbon, A Rebel in Blue

by Mark H. Jordan, Dennis Lavery

This long overdue, full-length biography of John Gibbon tells about one of the the Civil War's best combat leaders. This story of a rebel officer describes how a distinguished general served in all the major campaigns of the Civil War and later on the western frontier. Based on extensive research into family records and other original sources, this readable narrative should be of interest to historians and buffs alike who seek a vital new personal account about war and military service in the nineteenth century. This biography about Brigadier General John Gibbon covers his lifetime from 1827 to 1896. It focuses, of course, on his military career spanning the years from the end of the Mexican War, through the Civil War, and through efforts to keep the peace with the Seminole in Florida and the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Nez Perce on the western frontier, and thereafter. The biography describes life in America in some detail throughout most of the nineteenth century and defines what military training and service required at West Point and in peace and wartime. Extensive note materials and bibliographical references enrich this interesting study.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 1993

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a Southern born General who created the famous Iron Brigade. He used non-corporal punishment to discipline his soldiers to great effect. Also, he insisted that only regiments from the Western States be included in the Brigade to preserve its unique character.

Great read about the formation and training of the Brigade and what happened after General Gibbon was promoted away from his brigade. Details how the High Command was skeptical of the loyalty of this southern-born professional soldier who remained in the service after his state seceded. Despite that, he consistently rose through the ranks doing good service.

The writing was not dry like other biographies, and very engaging. This is a relatively hard to come by book. I'd also recommend Alan Nolan's book "The Iron Brigade", which was very good detailing the service of The Iron Brigade.