Chaffin, Pathfinder - John Charles Fremont And Course Of American Empire

Abstract

In American history, some individuals become celebrated for the wrong reasons. There are a number of people who are defined by an event that might not be representative of the totality of their historical contribution. This dynamic probably applies to John C. Fremont. Fremont is known primarily for two events. First, he was the Republican Party candidate for president in 1856. Second, as a Union major general in Missouri during the Civil War, he issued an ill-advised emancipation order that clashed with the policies of the Lincoln administration. Lincoln relieved Fremont of his command and his reputation has suffered since.