Sherman and His Generals

@ National Portrait Gallery

Description

Appointed in 1865 as the U.S. Army's commanding general for the territories west of the Mississippi River, William T. Sherman applied in his confrontation with Native Americans the same scorched-earth tactics he had utilized against the Confederates during the Civil War. During the four years he held this post, Sherman was principally responsible for protecting those who were constructing the transcontinental railroad. Toward this end he established a network of military outposts throughout the West and negotiated peace treaties with several Native tribes. Yet when some groups refused to accept a new life on reservations, Sherman was ruthless in subjugating them. Remarking that all Native Americans not on reservations "are hostile and will remain so until killed off," he led the effort to decimate the buffalo population, a vital food source for many. In this group photograph from 1865, Sherman is seated at the center with his arms and legs crossed.

Type:

Image

Format:

Albumen Silver Print

Rights:

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

View Original At:

http://collections.si.edu/search/results.htm?q=record_ID=npg_NPG.94.97&repo=DPLA