Portrait, Hiram G. Berry, Major General

by American Landscapes

Title

Portrait, Hiram G. Berry, Major General

Artist

American Landscapes

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Photographer: Unknown
Reproduction Number: NAID: 527978
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Still Picture Records Section.

Major General Hiram G. Berry of Maine, a prominent businessman, began his Civil War service by organizing and leading the 4th Maine Infantry, which he helped raise in his hometown of Rockland in 1861. As its first colonel, he led the regiment at the First Battle of Bull Run, earning a promotion to brigadier general for his leadership. Berry commanded troops in key battles of the Peninsula Campaign, including Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Seven Pines. Later, he led a division of the III Corps at Fredericksburg, where he was seen weeping on a subordinate’s shoulder before quickly returning to command which showed both his humanity and resolve. Promoted to major general just before Chancellorsville, Berry was killed by a sharpshooter in the early morning on May 3, 1863, while directing his division under heavy fire. General Hooker, upon arriving and seeing his body, lamented, “My God, Berry, why was this to happen? … Why was the man on whom I relied so much to be taken away in this manner?” Berry’s body was transported back to Rockland, Maine where the entire community turned out to honor their fallen hero, who had risen from their midst to become a respected and reliable Union general.

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September 12th, 2025

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