James Longstreet

James Longstreet

"Old War Horse"

James Longstreet was born on January 8, 1821, in South Carolina. He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1842 and served in Mexico before resigning his post as major in the US Army to join the Confederacy. His military and strategic ability earned him one of the top positions in the new Confederate Army, second to only Robert E. Lee. Many historians consider him the finest of all Confederate generals. He was nicknamed "Old War Horse" by General Lee.

If Lee Would Have Listened to Longstreet...

He served in some capacity at many major battles including the Second Battle of Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Days, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. Longstreet, however, is best known for his disagreements with Robert E. Lee’s aggressive attack strategy at Gettysburg. Longstreet was proved correct when the Confederate attacks on days two and three of the Gettysburg campaign, particularly the disastrous attack known as Pickett’s Charge, were repulsed by Union forces resulting in unthinkable casualties. After Gettysburg, Longstreet joined General Braxton Bragg’s campaign in Georgia and commanded a wing of the army in the Confederate victory at Chickamauga. Longstreet went on to command troops at Wilderness (where he was wounded) and Petersburg.

The Last of the Confederate High Command

After the war, Longstreet became friends with Ulysses S. Grant. He died in 1904, as the last of the high command of the Confederacy.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was James Longstreet nicknamed "Old War Horse" by General Lee?
  2. What disagreement did Longstreet have with Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg, and why was it important?
  3. How might the outcome at Gettysburg have been different if Lee had followed Longstreet’s advice?
  4. What does Longstreet’s post-war friendship with Grant tell us about him as a person?

Early Life and Military Background

James Longstreet was born on January 8, 1821, in South Carolina. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1842 and served in the Mexican-American War. When the Civil War began, he resigned from the U.S. Army and joined the Confederacy. His leadership and skill made him one of the top Confederate generals, second only to Robert E. Lee. Lee nicknamed him "Old War Horse."

Disagreements at Gettysburg

Longstreet fought in many major battles including the Second Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. He is especially known for disagreeing with Lee’s aggressive tactics at the Battle of Gettysburg. Longstreet advised a defensive strategy, but Lee insisted on attacking. The result was the failed assault known as Pickett’s Charge, which led to heavy Confederate losses. Many historians believe Longstreet's plan could have changed the outcome.

Later War Service

After Gettysburg, Longstreet helped lead the Confederate victory at Chickamauga and later fought at the Wilderness and Petersburg. He was wounded in battle but continued to serve until the end of the war.

Post-War Life

After the war, Longstreet became friends with former Union General Ulysses S. Grant. He died in 1904, the last surviving top general of the Confederate high command.

James Longstreet Activities