General George Pickett- The Unforgettable Commander of the Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg

General George E. Pickett is a name that resonates with history enthusiasts and students of the American Civil War. Born on December 5, 1825, in Virginia, Pickett rose to prominence as a Confederate general during the war. His most famous military endeavor was the Pickett’s Charge, an audacious and tragic assault on Union lines at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. This article delves into the life, career, and legacy of General George Pickett, highlighting his contributions to the Confederate cause and the enduring impact of his actions on the American Civil War.

General George Pickett’s early life was marked by a privileged upbringing. He attended the University of Virginia, where he excelled in academics and became a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa society. After graduating in 1847, Pickett pursued a career in law, but his true passion lay in the military. He served in the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848, where he gained valuable combat experience and a taste for the glory of war.

After the war, Pickett returned to Virginia and practiced law for a short time before joining the Confederate States Army in 1861. He quickly rose through the ranks, commanding a cavalry brigade and later a division. Pickett’s aggressive and daring tactics earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent on the battlefield. His leadership and bravery were instrumental in several significant Confederate victories, including the First Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Fredericksburg.

However, it was Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg that would define his military career and, by extension, his legacy. On July 3, 1863, General Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett’s division to launch a massive assault on Union lines, hoping to break the Union’s hold on the battlefield. The charge, a desperate and all-or-nothing move, involved approximately 12,000 Confederate soldiers advancing across open ground under heavy Union fire.

Despite the valiant efforts of Pickett’s men, the charge failed spectacularly. The Union lines held firm, and the Confederate soldiers suffered massive casualties. The attack is often cited as one of the most tragic and poignant moments in American military history. Pickett himself was grazed by a bullet but survived the charge, though many of his men did not.

The Pickett’s Charge remains a symbol of the Confederacy’s last, desperate stand in the Civil War. While the charge itself was a failure, it showcased the bravery and determination of the Confederate soldiers. General Pickett’s leadership and courage during the charge have earned him a place in American history as one of the most celebrated figures of the Civil War.

In the years following the war, General Pickett faced the challenges of Reconstruction and the harsh realities of life as a former Confederate. He returned to Virginia, where he practiced law and served as a state senator. Pickett passed away on July 30, 1875, at the age of 49.

General George Pickett’s life and career are a testament to the complexities of the American Civil War. His actions on the battlefield, both in victory and defeat, have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Today, Pickett’s Charge continues to be a subject of fascination and debate, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring legacy of the Civil War era.