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LEW WALLACE SIGNATURE - Civil War General & Ben Hur Author - Professional Matting
Bold ink signature of Lew Wallace, a remarkable figure in American history known for his roles as a Union General during the Civil War, territorial governor, diplomat, and celebrated author of one of the 19th century’s best-selling novels, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Condition: VG+ - Size Matted: 10\" x 16\"
BIOGRAPHY: Lew Wallace was born in Brookville, Indiana, the son of Indiana Governor David Wallace. He began his career as a lawyer but quickly found his calling in military and public service. When the American Civil War broke out, Wallace joined the Union Army and rose to the rank of Major General. He is perhaps best known militarily for his crucial role in the Battle of Monocacy in 1864, where his actions delayed Confederate troops long enough to protect Washington, D.C.—a move many historians credit with saving the capital.
Following the war, Wallace served as the Governor of the New Mexico Territory from 1878 to 1881. During this period, he famously dealt with Billy the Kid, even offering him a pardon in exchange for testimony during the Lincoln County War. He was later appointed U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire (Turkey), serving from 1881 to 1885 under President James Garfield and Chester A. Arthur.
Beyond his military and diplomatic accomplishments, Lew Wallace achieved literary immortality with his 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, a sweeping biblical epic that became the best-selling American novel of the 19th century, surpassing even Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It was later adapted into multiple successful films, including the iconic 1959 version starring Charlton Heston.
