Hiram Berdan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hiram Berdan
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| Born | September 6, 1824 Phelps, New York, US |
| Died | March 31, 1893 (aged 68) |
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 1st United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiment 2nd United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Mechanical engineer, inventor |
Hiram Berdan (born September 6, 1824 – died March 31, 1893) was an American engineer and inventor. He was also a skilled marksman and a military officer. During the American Civil War, he led the famous United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiments. Berdan invented the Berdan rifle and the Berdan centerfire primer. He also created many other useful weapons and tools.
Contents
Early Life and Inventions
Hiram Berdan was born in Phelps, New York. This is a small town in Ontario County, New York. Before the Civil War, he worked as a mechanical engineer in New York City. For 15 years, he was known as the best rifle shot in the country.
Berdan was a very creative inventor. He created a repeating rifle and a special musket ball. He also developed a machine to separate gold from ore. This machine was the first of its kind used for business. His inventions made him wealthy and famous around the world.
Serving in the Civil War
In 1861, Berdan helped recruit 18 companies of soldiers. These companies came from eight different states. They formed two special sharpshooter regiments. General Winfield Scott and President Abraham Lincoln supported his idea.
Berdan became the Colonel of the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters on November 30, 1861. His soldiers had to pass tough shooting tests. They wore unique green uniforms. They also used the most advanced long-range rifles with telescopic sights.
These sharpshooter regiments often received special missions. They were frequently used for skirmish duty. Berdan and his men fought in several major battles. These included the Seven Days Battles and the Second Battle of Bull Run. In September 1862, his sharpshooters were at the Battle of Shepherdstown.
Berdan also commanded larger groups of soldiers. He led the 2nd Brigade in February and March 1863. Later, he commanded the 3rd Brigade at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Berdan's Role at Gettysburg
At the Battle of Gettysburg, Berdan's two sharpshooter regiments were very important. They helped slow down Confederate attacks. These attacks were aimed at Devil's Den and the Peach Orchard.
In a fierce fight at Pitzer's Woods, the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters stopped an advancing Alabama brigade. Berdan took command of a larger brigade during the battle. He continued to lead this group through later campaigns.
After the War
Hiram Berdan left the army on January 2, 1864. He went back to being an engineer and inventor. In 1868, he was honored for his service. President Andrew Johnson nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general. This honor was for his leadership at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Many people saw Berdan as a brilliant marksman and inventor. However, some thought he was not the best leader for large groups in battle. After the war, Berdan invented many more military items. These included a special submarine gunboat and a torpedo boat. He also created a long-distance rangefinder and a special fuse for shrapnel shells.
Death and Legacy
Hiram Berdan died on March 31, 1893. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Fictional Portrayals
Hiram Berdan has been shown in movies and TV shows.
- In the 1986 ABC miniseries North and South, actor Kurtwood Smith played Hiram Berdan.
- A film by Silver Domino Productions was also made about Berdan and his sharpshooters.
