Ranald S. Mackenzie

Ranald Slidell Mackenzie was once called the most promiscing young officer in the entire Union army. He was famous for his service in the American Civil War and the following Indian Wars.

Mackenzie was born in Westchester County, New York on July 27, 1840. He graduated from West Point in 1862 and immediately joined the Union forces already fighting in the Civil War. He was made a lieutenant of engineers and served in the battles of Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg and through the Overland Campaing in 1864. He was appointed colonel of the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery which served as infantry during the assualts on Petersburg where he was wounded. He moved with the VI Corps when it oppesed Early's Washington Raid. He was given command of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, VI Corps and was again wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek. Upon his recovery he was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and assumed command of the Cavalry Division in the Army of the James and fought at the battles of Five Forks and Appomattox Courthouse. He was appointed brevet major general of volunteers in 1865 for services in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Mackenzie was known for his harsh discipline and was not well like by troops serving under him who called him the "Perpetual Punisher". However he was respected by his peers and superiors for his skill and abilities prompting General Ulysses S. Grant to refer to him as the most promiscing young officer in the entire Union army.

After the Civil War, Mackenzie stayed in the regular army and served in the West during the Indian Wars. He was appointed colonel in the regular army in 1867 and fought against the Apache Indians in the southwest. In 1876 he defeated the Cheyenne in the Dull Knife Fight which helped bring about the end of the Black Hills War. In 1882 he was appointed brigadier general and put on the retired list.

Mackenzie died on January 19, 1889 on Staten Island, New York.