Charles Griffin
A tough, capable artilleryman who rose from West Point to command a corps, witnessing the Civil War's surrender at Appomattox.
1825–1876 (age 51)·Union Army general·Birthday: December 18
Biography
Charles Griffin's war was one of relentless ascent through fire. A West Point graduate and artillery instructor, he began the conflict commanding a battery of the new rifled cannons that would redefine battle. His guns were pivotal at the First Battle of Bull Run, and his aggressive competence earned him rapid promotion to brigade, then division command in the Army of the Potomac's storied V Corps. Griffin was a fighter, respected by his men and superiors like General George Meade, though his blunt temper occasionally sparked friction. He led his division through the hell of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg. In the war's final days, he was given command of the entire V Corps. It was Griffin who received the formal surrender of Confederate infantry at Appomattox Court House, a fitting capstone for an officer whose career traced the Union's arduous path from defeat to victory.
#1 When Charles Was Born
The biggest hits of 1825
Charles's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1825Born
1830Started school
1838Became a teenager
1841Could drive
1843Could vote
1846Turned 21
1855Turned 30
1865Turned 40
President: Andrew Johnson
1875Turned 50
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1876Died at 51
President: Ulysses S. Grant
Key Achievements
- Commanded the V Corps of the Army of the Potomac during the final Appomattox Campaign.
- Played a key role as an artillery commander at the First Battle of Bull Run.
- Led a division through major 1864-65 campaigns including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Petersburg.
- Was present to receive the surrender of Confederate infantry units at Appomattox Court House.
Did You Know?
Before the war, he served in the 2nd U.S. Artillery alongside future Confederate general John B. Magruder.
He died of yellow fever in 1876 while commanding the Department of Texas during a post-war epidemic.
His promotion to corps command came only days before Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
He was known for his sharp tongue and once had a public dispute with General Gouverneur K. Warren.
“My guns are my argument; place them well and speak plainly.”
