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William Tecumseh Sherman
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Later life of William Tecumseh Sherman

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Written by
Charlton W. Tebeau
Emeritus Professor of History, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. Author of A History of Florida.
Charlton W. Tebeau
Fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Born:
February 8, 1820, Lancaster, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
February 14, 1891, New York, New York
Awards And Honors:
Hall of Fame (1905)

Sherman remained a soldier to the end, though his view of warfare was succinctly put in his oft-quoted assertion that “war is hell.” When Grant became a full general in 1866, Sherman moved up to the rank of lieutenant general, and when Grant became president in 1869, he made Sherman commanding general of the army, a post he held until 1884. Unlike Grant, Sherman declined all opportunities to run for political office, saying he would not run if nominated and would not serve if elected. He died in New York City in 1891.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens's Sherman Monument
Augustus Saint-Gaudens's Sherman MonumentSherman Monument (1903), sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens; in Grand Army Plaza, New York City.

Sherman was one of the ablest Union generals in the Civil War. He saw that conflict in its broadest strategic terms, and his March to the Sea is generally regarded as the first example of the use of total war in the modern era.

Charlton W. Tebeau The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica