Southern Heroes of the Civil War Calendar

Robert E. Lee, one of the most iconic figures of the Southern Army, served as the principal military commander of the Southern forces during the American Civil War. Lee faced a difficult decision when Virginia seceded. Despite personal reservations, he chose to follow his home state, and his military brilliance soon became evident. Lee's strategic acumen and leadership were highlighted in several key battles, such as the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run, and Chancellorsville. His leadership reached its zenith at the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Second Manassas. However, his legacy is somewhat tarnished by the failure of Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in 1865, marking the end of the Southern Army and the Civil War. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, perhaps the most eccentric and enigmatic of Southern generals, earned his nickname for his unyielding defense at the First Battle of Bull Run. Known for his aggressive and unpredictable tactics, Jackson played a crucial role in many victories, including the Valley Campaign, the Battle of Second Bull Run, and the Battle of Chancellorsville. Despite his military genius, Jackson's life was tragically cut short when he was accidentally shot by his own men at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. His death was a severe blow to the Southern cause, and his absence was deeply felt during the remainder of the war. Other prominent Southern generals played crucial roles in the Southern war effort. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, a skilled engineer, was responsible for the South's first major victory at the Battle of Fort Sumter and later played a key role in several significant battles, including First Bull Run and Shiloh. JEB Stuart, known for his flamboyant personality, was a renowned cavalry commander whose daring reconnaissance missions became legendary. James Longstreet, one of Lee's most trusted lieutenants, was a stalwart presence in numerous battles, earning a reputation for his defensive prowess. Sterling Price, a Southern general from Missouri, led campaigns in the Trans-Mississippi Theater and struggled against Union forces in the West. While each of these generals had their unique contributions and challenges, their collective efforts reflected the complex and multifaceted nature of the Southern military leadership during the American Civil War.