# Lew Wallace

> American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, territorial governor and statesman, politician, and author of 'Ben Hur' (1827-1905)

**Wikidata**: [Q357102](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q357102)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lew_Wallace)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lew-wallace

## Summary
Lew Wallace was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, territorial governor, statesman, and author of *Ben-Hur* (1827–1905). He is best known for his historical novel *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*, which became a global bestseller and remains a cultural landmark.

## Biography
- Born: April 10, 1827, in Brookville, Indiana
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Studied law at Transylvania University (now University of Kentucky) and the University of Louisville
- Known for: Writing *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ* and serving as a Union general in the Civil War
- Employer(s): United States Army, territorial governor of New Mexico
- Field(s): Military, law, literature, politics

## Contributions
- **Literature**: Authored *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ* (1880), a novel that sold over 100 million copies and was adapted into multiple films, including the 1925 silent version and the 1959 epic starring Charlton Heston.
- **Military Service**: Served as a Union general in the American Civil War, commanding the 1st Division of the Army of the Potomac and later the Department of the Gulf.
- **Political Career**: Appointed territorial governor of New Mexico (1878–1881) and later served as a U.S. representative from Indiana (1883–1885).
- **Legal Practice**: Practiced law in Indiana and Kentucky, specializing in civil and criminal cases.

## FAQs
**What is Lew Wallace best known for?**
Lew Wallace is best known for his historical novel *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*, which became a global bestseller and cultural phenomenon. He is also remembered for his military service as a Union general in the Civil War.

**Where did Lew Wallace serve in the military?**
Wallace served in the Union Army during the Civil War, commanding the 1st Division of the Army of the Potomac and later the Department of the Gulf. He was appointed territorial governor of New Mexico after the war.

**What political roles did Lew Wallace hold?**
Wallace served as territorial governor of New Mexico (1878–1881) and later as a U.S. representative from Indiana (1883–1885). He was also a diplomat and statesman.

**How did Lew Wallace's *Ben-Hur* impact literature?**
*Ben-Hur* sold over 100 million copies and was adapted into multiple films, including the 1925 silent version and the 1959 epic starring Charlton Heston. It remains a cultural landmark in literature and cinema.

## Why They Matter
Lew Wallace's *Ben-Hur* revolutionized historical fiction, blending biblical themes with adventure and romance. His novel became a global phenomenon, influencing later works of historical and biblical epics. As a Union general, he played a role in the Civil War, though his military career was less consequential than his literary legacy. His political service in New Mexico and Congress further cemented his role as a statesman. Wallace's contributions to literature, military service, and politics collectively shaped his lasting legacy as a multifaceted American figure.

## Notable For
- Author of *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*, a bestselling novel adapted into multiple films.
- Union general in the American Civil War, commanding key divisions.
- Territorial governor of New Mexico (1878–1881).
- U.S. representative from Indiana (1883–1885).
- Practiced law in Indiana and Kentucky.
- Recognized for his contributions to literature, military service, and politics.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Lew Wallace was born on April 10, 1827, in Brookville, Indiana. He studied law at Transylvania University (now the University of Kentucky) and the University of Louisville. His legal career began in Indiana and Kentucky, where he practiced civil and criminal law.

### Literary Career
Wallace's most famous work, *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*, was published in 1880. The novel sold over 100 million copies and was adapted into multiple films, including the 1925 silent version and the 1959 epic starring Charlton Heston. It remains a cultural landmark in literature and cinema.

### Military Service
During the American Civil War, Wallace served as a Union general, commanding the 1st Division of the Army of the Potomac and later the Department of the Gulf. His military service was notable but less consequential than his literary achievements.

### Political Career
After the war, Wallace was appointed territorial governor of New Mexico (1878–1881). He later served as a U.S. representative from Indiana (1883–1885). His political career included diplomatic and statesmanlike roles, further solidifying his reputation as a public servant.

### Legacy
Lew Wallace's contributions to literature, military service, and politics collectively shaped his lasting legacy. His novel *Ben-Hur* continues to influence historical fiction and cinema, while his military and political service reflects his multifaceted career. Wallace's life and works remain a testament to his enduring impact on American culture and history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Geni.com
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. Indiana Authors and Their Books 1819-1916
7. Find a Grave
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. CiNii Research
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. MusicBrainz
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. SNAC
14. International Music Score Library Project
15. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
16. Discogs
17. Babelio
18. BD Gest'
19. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
20. Open Library
21. GeneaStar
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index16.html)
24. CONOR.SI
25. Autoritats UB
26. CERL Thesaurus
27. Quora
28. The Movie Database
29. Catalogo of the National Library of India