Power Couple: The Story of Jesse and John Fremont

Lecture and power point by author Gregory Wolk of Kirkwood, who delves deeply into the brief but eventful 100 days that John Charles Fremont commanded the Western Department of the Union Army. Fremont – before 1861 known for his explorations to the west coast and his role in California statehood – was a political choice for this command, He lost his command because of politics as well, amid false charges of financial misdeeds and incompetence. In the meantime, General Fremont conducted a military campaign from Jefferson City to Springfield that was without precedent, that ended on October 25, 1861 with the first cavalry charge of the Civil War. The audience will be engaged to answer the question: What was the real reason that Lincoln fired Fremont? The answer will surprise you.