---
title: Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon
author: Adam B. Walter
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22067/brigadier-general-nathaniel-lyon/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-09-07
---
# Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon
_Authored by Adam B. Walter_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/22067.jpg)
## Image Caption
*Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, U.S. Army*, engraving by Adam B. Walter, Philadelphia, circa 1860s to 1870s.
General Lyon was the commander of the federal forces at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Wilson's Creek, where he was killed in action on 10 August 1861, being the first [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) in combat of a Union general during the [American Civil War](https://www.worldhistory.org/American_Civil_War/). The engraving here is based on an 1861 photograph or painting of Lyon.
Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Walter, A. B. (2026, September 07). Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Walter, Adam B.. "Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 07, 2026. .
### MLA
Walter, Adam B.. "Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon." *World History Encyclopedia*, 07 Sep 2026, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-48000/NH-48025.html) by **Adam B. Walter**. Submitted by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/ "User Page: Joshua J. Mark"), published on 07 September 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.