Zócalo's Connecting California
The Civil War general and California
More than a century and a half later, it's time to give William Tecumseh Sherman his due. The Civil War hero was a steadying hand in California's wildest days and a major player in the events that led to this state joining the union.
By Joe Mathews • • 5m ListenIt's been 166 years since California joined the union as its 31st state. And as we celebrate Admission's Day (you are celebrating, right?), Zócalo Public Square columnist Joe Mathews says we would be remiss not to salute William Tecumseh Sherman. The Civil War general is known mostly for his famous march through the South, but he also played an important role in many of the events that helped shape California before statehood. He wasn't a native, but William T. Sherman was a Californian at heart.