The American Civil War Museum (ACWM) is pleased to announce the
establishment of the William Francis Bartlett Medal awarded annually to an American leader in
business, politics or the military who best exemplifies character, selfless-service, and courage in adversity as well as patriotic commitment to the ideals of the United States of America.

The award is named for Major General William Francis Bartlett who served during the Civil War, rising from private soldier in the Union Army to the rank of Major General at age twenty-five by demonstrating unparalleled heroism, devotion and endurance.  Captured and held at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, he bore no animosity toward his enemies post-war, and was an advocate for national unity as a manufacturing executive at the Tredegar Ironworks. 

Major General William Francis Bartlett was one of the youngest Union generals in the Civil War. He rose from a private soldier to general command at the age of 25, demonstrating unparalleled heroism, devotion, and endurance. Fighting in six major battles and severely wounded in four, Bartlett returned to service each time to preserve the Union, no matter the sacrifice. Leading troops in battle, including USCT at the battles of Port Hudson and the Crater, Bartlett never hesitated to place himself at the point of maximum danger.

Incredibly, his fierceness in battle translated into a spirit of unity after the war. Bartlett held what he called “a prejudice… in favor of peace” and stood against any “men who would divide or destroy or retard the prosperity and progress of the nation.” Returning to civilian service after the war, Bartlett became the senior manufacturing executive at the Tredegar Ironworks, now home to the American Civil War Museum. Upon his untimely death in 1876, brought on by his war wounds, he was remembered in both the North and the South as “one of the noblest of soldiers and citizens.”

The inaugural William Francis Bartlett Medal will be presented to Mr. Austin Brokenbrough, III at a special event in the Tredegar Foundry building at the American Civil War Museum on April 9, 2026. A former United States Marine, Mr. Brockenbrough’s life of dedicated service to his
community and to this nation is exemplified by the dozens of charitable organizations he has
supported and served for over six decades.

The American Civil War Museum explores the causes, course, and consequences of
the American Civil War through dynamic exhibitions, programs and lectures by the nation’s top
scholars, and a world-class collection of artifacts. ACWM has locations in Richmond and
Appomattox, Virginia. Visit acwm.org for more information about the collection, exhibitions, donating or to become a member.

Media contact: jmaloney@acwm.org