Lew Wallace was a historical fiction author, lawyer, governor, and Union general in the American Civil War. He was born in Brookville, Indiana, to Esther French Test Wallace and David Wallace, who served as the Governor of Indiana. Wallace was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1849 and entered the state senate seven years later.
With the outbreak of the Civil War, Wallace offered his services and received various appointments, including adjutant general of Indiana, colonel of the 11th Indiana, brigadier general in the USV, commanding 3rd Division in the District of Cairo, Department of the Missouri, major general in the USV, commanding 3rd Division in the Army of the Tennessee, commanding 8th Corps in the Middle Department, and commanding the department. Wallace's military career started promisingly when he routed an inferior Confederate force at Romney, Virginia. However, his reputation plummeted after the battle of Shiloh, where his division arrived late on the first day due to contradictory orders, leading to him being scapegoated for the near disaster. He later redeemed himself by saving Cincinnati from Kirby Smith's invasion and making a stand at Monocacy during Early's drive into Maryland.
After the war, Wallace served as the governor of the New Mexico Territory and a diplomat to Turkey. He is best remembered for his historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which became one of the most popular novels of the nineteenth century. Wallace's experiences in the Civil War and Mexico often influenced his writing. His military career may not have brought him the recognition he desired, but his literary achievements have ensured his place in history.