George Edward Pickett

George Edward Pickett 1825-75, Confederate general in the American Civil War, b. Richmond, Va. After distinguishing himself in the Mexican War (especially at Chapultepec), Pickett served on the Texas frontier (1849-55) and in Washington Territory (1856-61). He figured prominently in the San Juan Boundary Dispute as commander of the small U.S. force that occupied the island in 1859. On Virginia's secession Pickett resigned from the army, and in Feb., 1862, he became a Confederate brigadier general. He fought in the Peninsular campaign and was severely wounded at Gaines's Mill in the Seven Days battles. After his return to the army in Oct., 1862, he was promoted to major general and given a division in James Longstreet's corps. He is best remembered for his part in the Gettysburg campaign . His assault, famous as "Pickett's charge," on the Union center on Cemetery Hill (July 3, 1863) resulted in the virtual annihilation of his division. Pickett later commanded in North Carolina and in 1864 was one of the defenders of Petersburg.

Bibliography: See A. C. Inman, ed., Soldier of the South: General Pickett's War Letters to his Wife (1913, repr. 1971); K. R. George and J. W. Busey, Nothing But Glory: Pickett's Division at Gettysburg (1987).

Pickett, George Edward (1825–75) Confederate army officer, born in Virginia. Pickett fought in the Mexican War (1846–48), where he won praise and promotion. Pickett's name is linked forever with his action at Gettysburg, on July 3, 1863, when Gen. Robert E. Lee had Pickett's divison spearhead a charge against the Union center (known as Pickett's Charge). The attack was a disaster, as Union forces mowed down the advancing Confederates. Lee took the brunt of the blame, but Pickett was severely criticized for being at the rear of his troops instead of in front. Neither he nor his reputation ever recovered from the debacle, although he continued to serve in the Confederate army.