Alexander Early Steen (c. 1827 – December 7, 1862) was a career American soldier from Missouri who served in the United States Army in the Mexican–American War.

Steen was commissioned from civilian life as a second lieutenant to the 12th U.S. Infantry in early 1847 [1] (contrary to some sources, he never attended the US Military Academy).

[2] By the mid-1850s, Steen was promoted to first lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry and assigned to duty at Fort Union in the New Mexico Territory, where he led several lengthy reconnaissance patrols scouting for hostile Indians.

[6] On June 22, 1861, he received an appointment as a captain in the Regular Confederate Army's Corps of Infantry, to date to March 16, 1861.

[5] A memorial to Unknown Confederate Dead, made of marble, commemorates Steen, as well as Brigadier General James M. McIntosh, an Arkansan who was killed at the Battle of Pea Ridge.