Adelbert Ames, American general and politician, 30th Governor of Mississippi (b. 1835)

Adelbert Ames (October 31, 1835 – April 13, 1933) embodied a remarkable and often controversial figure in American history, navigating the turbulent waters of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His distinguished career spanned multiple critical periods, seeing him serve as a dedicated sailor, a decorated soldier, and a prominent, albeit polarizing, politician. From the fierce battlefields of the American Civil War to the challenging political arena of Reconstruction-era Mississippi and even a return to military service during the Spanish-American War, Ames left an indelible mark on the nation.

A Soldier's Journey: From West Point to Civil War Hero

A graduate of the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point in 1861, Adelbert Ames was thrust almost immediately into the crucible of the American Civil War. He quickly distinguished himself through exceptional bravery and leadership, rising rapidly through the ranks of the Union Army. His service saw him participate in numerous pivotal engagements, including the First Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. For his gallantry at the First Battle of Bull Run, where he commanded a section of artillery with courage despite being wounded, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, one of the nation's highest military decorations. Ames's steadfast performance and strategic acumen earned him promotions, ultimately reaching the rank of Major General of Volunteers, solidifying his reputation as a formidable and respected Union commander.

A Radical Republican in Reconstruction Mississippi

Following the cessation of hostilities, Ames's journey took a dramatic turn from military command to the complex and often fraught landscape of Reconstruction-era politics in the defeated South. As a staunch Radical Republican, he believed in a robust federal role in ensuring civil rights for newly freed slaves and restructuring Southern society. His post-war service initially saw him as a military governor in Mississippi, tasked with overseeing the transition and implementing federal policies. His commitment to protecting the rights of African Americans and discrediting former Confederates quickly made him a controversial figure among the state's white conservative population.

His political career in Mississippi rapidly advanced. He served as a United States Senator from 1870 to 1873, advocating for Reconstruction policies on a national stage. Subsequently, he was elected and served as the civilian Governor of Mississippi from 1874 to 1876. During his governorship, Ames championed public education, the rights of freedmen, and attempts to suppress the rising tide of white supremacy and violence. However, the period was marked by intense political hostility, economic instability, and the organized efforts of "Redeemers" – Southern Democrats determined to restore white conservative rule. Facing overwhelming political pressure and widespread intimidation tactics, including the violent "Mississippi Plan," Ames ultimately resigned from office in 1876, marking the effective end of Radical Republican governance in Mississippi.

A Return to Arms and a Lasting Political Mark

Despite the challenges of his political career, Ames was called upon once more to serve his nation in uniform. In 1898, he briefly rejoined the United States Army as a general during the Spanish-American War, demonstrating his enduring commitment to military service.

Ames holds a unique place in Mississippi's political history as the last Republican to serve as the state's governor until the election of Kirk Fordice. Fordice took office in January 1992, a staggering 116 years after Adelbert Ames vacated the gubernatorial seat. This extraordinary gap underscores the profound and long-lasting political realignment in the South following the Civil War and Reconstruction.

His longevity was also remarkable. Adelbert Ames passed away on April 13, 1933, at the impressive age of 97. This made him the penultimate general officer of the Civil War to die. He was outlived in this respect only by Aaron Daggett, who died in 1938 at the age of 100. However, a crucial distinction often highlights Ames's final military legacy: Daggett held the rank of brigadier general by brevet only, meaning it was an honorary promotion for gallantry, not a substantive command rank. Consequently, Adelbert Ames is recognized as the last full-ranked Civil War general to die, closing a significant chapter in American military history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adelbert Ames

What was Adelbert Ames best known for?
Adelbert Ames is primarily known for his distinguished service as a Union Army general during the American Civil War, including being a Medal of Honor recipient, and his controversial but pivotal role as a Radical Republican politician, serving as military governor, U.S. Senator, and civilian governor of Mississippi during the Reconstruction era.
What was his role during the American Civil War?
During the Civil War, Ames served with distinction as a Union Army general, fighting in major battles like Gettysburg and earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the First Battle of Bull Run. He rose to the rank of Major General of Volunteers.
Why was he considered a "Radical Republican"?
Ames was a Radical Republican because he strongly advocated for federal intervention to secure civil rights for newly freed African Americans in the South and to restructure Southern society after the Civil War. His policies often clashed with the desires of conservative white Mississippians who sought to re-establish pre-war social hierarchies.
What was his significant impact on Reconstruction-era Mississippi?
As a military governor, U.S. Senator, and civilian governor, Ames championed African American voting rights, public education, and efforts to combat white supremacist violence. His governorship was marked by intense political conflict and ultimately ended with his resignation amidst the "Redemption" movement, which effectively curtailed Reconstruction in Mississippi.
What made him the "last full-ranked Civil War general to die"?
While another general officer, Aaron Daggett, lived longer, Daggett held the rank of brigadier general by brevet (an honorary promotion for distinguished service). Ames, having held a substantive, full rank of general (Major General of Volunteers), was therefore the last fully-ranked Civil War general to pass away.
How long was the gap before another Republican governed Mississippi after Ames?
There was a remarkable 116-year gap between Adelbert Ames's departure from the governor's office in 1876 and the next Republican governor, Kirk Fordice, who took office in January 1992. This highlights the deep and lasting political shift in the South post-Reconstruction.