Alfred Terry - Definition and Overview

Alfred Howe Terry (November 10, 1827 - December 16, 1890) was a military commander of the Dakota Territory from 1866 to 1869 and again from 1872 to 1886. Although born in Hartford, Connecticut, Alfred's family quickly moved to New Haven, where he spent most of his childhood. After attending Yale Law School in 1848, Terry became a lawyer and was appointed clerk of the Superior Court of New Haven County.

Terry's military service

When the Civil War started, Terry raised and led a regiment of Connecticut volunteers who fought in battles such as the First Bull Run.

After the war, Terry stayed with the military. He helped negotiate the Fort Laramie Treaty, which ended Red Cloud's campaign against American troops in the region. After being assigned a post in Georgia, Terry became a strong opponent of the Klu Klux Klan.

Terry was overall commander during the Sioux Wars. In October 1877, he went to Canada to negotiate with Sitting Bull.

In 1886, Terry was promoted to Major General and was given command of the Missouri. He died in New Haven, Connecticut.