George Pickett
Early Life
George Edward Pickett was born in Richmond, Virginia on January 16, 1825. He was the eldest among the eight children of Robert and Mary Pickett. His father was a prominent figure in the community, serving as the city's mayor and later as a customs collector. Pickett's early education was received in local schools and he later attended a private military academy in Norfolk, Virginia.
Military Career
In 1842, Pickett graduated from the West Point and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served in the Mexican-American War where he distinguished himself at the Battle of Chapultepec. Pickett's Charge, his most famous military action, took place during the American Civil War at the Battle of Gettysburg. As a major general in the Confederate Army, Pickett led a disastrous and ill-fated charge against Union forces, which resulted in heavy casualties and ultimately, the Confederacy's defeat.
Post-War Life
After the war, Pickett worked as an insurance agent in Virginia and later served as the sheriff of Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He died on July 30, 1875, and was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
Legacy
Pickett's Charge remains one of the most studied and controversial events in American military history. Pickett's leadership and decision-making during the charge have been the subject of much debate among historians. Despite the disastrous outcome of Pickett's Charge, he is remembered as a symbol of Southern valor and sacrifice.