General Lew Wallace: The Crawfordsville, Indiana Connection
Born on April 10, 1827, in Brookville, Indiana, General Lewis Wallace was a man of many talents, known not only for his military service but also for his literary contributions and political career. He briefly attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana and eventually moved to Crawfordsville, in Montgomery County, with his wife, Susan in 1853. Wallace is most renowned for his literary masterpiece, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ which won a record-setting number of Academy Awards for its film adaptation.
Early Life and Military Career
Lew Wallace descended from a family with a strong military tradition. His father, David Wallace, served as Indiana’s governor and was involved in military affairs. This environment likely influenced young Lew’s decision to pursue a military career. He attended local schools and later briefly studied law before enlisting in the Mexican-American War in 1846. Wallace’s bravery and leadership earned him recognition, and by the war’s end, he had risen to the rank of first lieutenant.
His military career continued after the Mexican-American War, with Wallace serving on the frontier and engaging in various conflicts with Native American tribes. However, it was during the Civil War that Wallace would leave his most significant mark on history.
Civil War Contributions
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Wallace was appointed as the adjutant general of Indiana. Later, he received a commission as a colonel in the Union Army. He participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Fort Donelson and the Battle of Shiloh, where he demonstrated tactical skill and bravery. However, it was his actions during the Battle of Monocacy in 1864 that earned him widespread acclaim.
During the Battle of Monocacy, Wallace’s forces faced a Confederate advance aimed at capturing Washington, D.C. Despite being outnumbered and ultimately defeated; Wallace’s delaying tactics bought crucial time for the Union to reinforce the capital. His efforts earned him the moniker “The Savior of Washington.”
Post-War Accomplishments
Following the Civil War, Lew Wallace continued to serve in various capacities. He was appointed to the military commission which tried the conspirators involved in President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
Author of Ben Hur
Wallace’s most enduring legacy outside of the military realm lies in his literary achievements. While Wallace had penned articles and essays earlier in his life, it was his novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ that propelled him to literary fame. Published in 1880, Ben-Hur became one of the best-selling novels of the 19th century, surpassing even Uncle Tom’s Cabin in sales. The book tells the story of a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur and his encounters with Jesus Christ.
Ben-Hur was groundbreaking in its scope and ambition, blending historical fiction with religious themes. The novel’s success not only brought Wallace financial prosperity but also established his reputation as a talented writer. It has been adapted into various stage productions, radio dramas, and films, with the 1959 film adaptation winning a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards.
Political Career
In addition to his military and literary pursuits, Lew Wallace also ventured into politics. He served as the governor of the New Mexico Territory from 1878 to 1881, where he implemented several reforms and earned praise for his efforts to improve relations with Native American tribes. Later, he served as the U.S. Minister to the Ottoman Empire from 1881 to 1885.
Lew Wallace Study in Crawfordsville, Indiana
In recognition of his accomplishments, various monuments and institutions bear his name, including the Lew Wallace Study in Crawfordsville, where he wrote “Ben-Hur.” Designated a National Historic Landmark, this building is now a museum and open to the public. During your tour, you’ll see General Wallace’s personal artifacts in the stand-alone study he designed and built in 1895, situated just fifty yards north of his residence.
The architecture of the study is remarkable, showcasing three styles: Romanesque, Byzantine and Greek. A limestone frieze that encircled the study contains four faces, one on each side of the building. These faces represent characters from Wallace’s novels. Over the entrance is the face of Judah Ben-Hur. Other faces are those of Tirzah (Ben-Hur), the Prince of India and Princess Irene (The Prince of India). You’ll note other extraordinary architectural features including a tower with roof access, a gas fireplace, two stained-glass windows and two window seats.
The Lew Wallace Study is just one fascinating and fun reason to visit Crawfordsville, Indiana. There are other historic attractions in the area, including historic downtown Crawfordsville which offers vibrant shopping and dining.
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