Ambrose Burnside

Date of Birth: May 23, 1824

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: September 13, 1881

Biography

Ambrose Everett Burnside was an American politician, Union Army general in the American Civil War, and industrialist. Born in Liberty, Indiana, Burnside graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1847. He is best remembered for his distinctive facial hair, which gave rise to the term “sideburns,” and for his less successful military career during the Civil War. After the war, Burnside served as the Governor of Rhode Island and later as a U.S. Senator. His life was marked by a series of public service roles, from his military career to his work in politics and industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Ambrose Burnside

1. Burnside’s distinctive facial hair led to the coining of the term “sideburns.”

2. He invented the Burnside carbine, a breech-loading rifle used during the Civil War.

3. Burnside served as the first president of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

4. He was the Governor of Rhode Island from 1866 to 1869.

5. Burnside was involved in the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg, which was a significant defeat for the Union Army.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ambrose Burnside

1. “The fact is, I do not want command of the Army of the Potomac, and I never did.”

2. “We must act with energy and determination if we are to succeed.”

3. “I feel that the most important duty I have to perform is to make soldiers of the men under my command.”

4. “War is a terrible trade; but when the cause is just, the smell of powder is sweet.”

5. “I am determined to do my duty to the best of my ability, and leave the result to Him who controls all things.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Burnside’s net worth was modest, primarily derived from his military salary, gubernatorial salary, and his work in the railroad industry. Adjusted for inflation, it would be approximately $1 million in today’s terms.