Category: Battle Of Ball’s Bluff

Battle Of Ball’s Bluff, Edward Dickinson Baker, Oregon, President Abraham Lincoln, Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, California

President Lincoln’s Congressional Race Rival And Friend Who Became The Only U.S. Senator To Die In Battle During The Civil War

Hamilton Historical Records

Edward Dickinson Baker was Abraham Lincoln’s rival in a Congressional race in Illinois that the former president lost. After the race, Edward Dickinson Baker and Abraham Lincoln became friends. After serving in Congress, Baker moves to Oregon and was elected as a U.S. Senator.

During the U.S. Civil War, Baker continues to serve as a Senator and offered to directly help Lincoln with the military command. Baker served at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, in Loundon County, Virginia, and became the only U.S. Senator to die in battle. In addition, Baker was the highest ranking Union Officer to die in the war.

Edward Dickinson Baker is buried at the Presidio in San Francisco, California.

During the 150th Anniversary of the U.S. Civil War, the State of Oregon held an event in honor of former Senator Baker.

Battle Of Ball’s Bluff, Edward Dickinson Baker, Loudon County, Virginia

The Battle Of Ball’s Bluff

Hamilton Historical Records

On October 20th, 1861, union reconnaissance troops caught sight of what they believed was an unguarded confederate camp. Union General Charles Stone gathered troops from Maryland to attack the camp.

U.S. Senator Edward Dickinson Baker, whom was a friend of Abraham Lincoln, died in the battle and was the only U.S. Senator to ever die in battle. Balls Bluff was a humiliating defeat from the union and General Charles Stone was fired from his position and sentenced to six months in jail for his failure there.

In present day the area of Ball’s Bluff is a Battlefield Park.