Benjamin Grierson was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, known for his role as a cavalry commander. Born on July 8, 1826, in Pennsylvania, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1847. Grierson gained fame for leading a successful raid through Mississippi in 1863, which disrupted Confederate supply lines. After the war, Grierson continued his military career, serving in various posts, including as a commander of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, a unit composed of African American soldiers. He retired from the Army in 1890 and passed away on August 31, 1911.