Hiram Berdan

Hiram Berdan
Born(1824-09-06)September 6, 1824
DiedMarch 31, 1893(1893-03-31) (aged 68)
Buried
Allegiance United States of America
Union
BranchUnion Army
Service years1861–1864
Rank Colonel
Bvt. Brigadier General
Commands1st United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiment
2nd United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiment
ConflictsAmerican Civil War
Other workMechanical engineer, inventor

Hiram Berdan (September 6, 1824 – March 31, 1893) was an American engineer, inventor, military officer, marksman, and guiding force behind and commanding colonel of the United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiments during the American Civil War. He was the inventor of the Berdan rifle, the Berdan centerfire primer and other weapons and accessories.