A brief history of Col. Zenas Bliss

Colonel Zenas Bliss was born in Johnston, RI. His military education was at West Point, graduating in 1854. As a Captain in the 8th US Infantry in Texas at the start of the Civil War, he was taken prisoner when San Antonio was surrendered to the Confederate forces. Exchanged in April 1862 for a Confederate Naval Officer, he returned to Providence and accepted a commission as Colonel of the 10th RI Infantry. He remained assigned with the 10th in the defense of Washington, DC, until Aug. 1862, when he returned to Rhode Island to accept command of the 7th RI Infantry. He commanded the 7th in the following list of campains:

  • Fredericksburg, Va
  • Jackson, Miss.
  • Alexandria, Va.
  • Spottsylvania, Va. (wounded)
  • Vicksburg, Miss.
  • Richmond, Va.
  • The Wilderness
  • Petersburg, Va.

    He received two brevets for gallant and meritorious service, and attained the rank of Bvt. Brig. General. On Dec. 30. 1898, 33 years after the war, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for actions at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.

    His grave is located at Arlington National Cemetery. 1