Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891), was a leading Union general in the American Civil War (1861-1865). He became most famous for his "march to the sea," across Georgia, in 1864 and for his march through the Carolinas in 1865. On these marches, Sherman's troops destroyed much of the South's military and economic resources. From 1869 to 1883, Sherman served as commanding general of the United States Army.