James Longstreet (January 8, 1821 – January 2, 1904) was one of the foremost Confederate generals of the American Civil War and the principal subordinate to General Robert E. Lee, who called him his "Old War Horse." He served under Lee as a corps commander for many of the famous battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia in the Eastern Theater, but also with Gen. Braxton Bragg in the Army of Tennessee in the Western Theater. Biographer and historian Jeffry D. Wert wrote that "Longstreet ... was the finest corps commander in the Army of Northern Virginia; in fact, he was arguably the best corps commander in the conflict on either side." Longstreet's talents as a general made significant contributions to the Confederate victories at Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chickamauga, in both offensive and defensive roles. He also performed strongly during the Seven Days Battles, the Battle of Antietam, and until he was seriously wounded, at the Battle of the Wilderness. His performance in semiautonomous command at Knoxville, Tennessee, resulted in a Confederate defeat. His most controversial service was at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he disagreed with General Lee on the tactics to be employed and reluctantly supervised the disastrous infantry assault known as Pickett's Charge. (via Wikipedia)
Burial Place:
Alta Vista Cemetery
Gainesville, Georgia
Participant In:
Mexican-American War
American Civil War
Place of Death:
Gainesville, Georgia
Leader Of:
First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia
Rank:
Major (USA)
Lieutenant General (CSA)
Name:
James Longstreet
Birthplace:
Edgefield District, South Carolina
Term of Military Service:
1842 - 1861 (USA), 1861 - 1865 (CSA)
Allegiance:
United States of America
Confederate States of America
Also Known As:
Old Pete
Birth Date:
Jan 8, 1821
Death Date:
Jan 2, 1904