Pickett, George Edward (1825-1875), was a Confederate general during the American Civil War (1861-1865). In the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, he took part in an unwise charge that ranks as one of the most famous events in American history. On July 3, Cemetery Ridge was a key to the Union Army’s positions. Pickett’s division and parts of other units charged up the hill in the face of heavy fire and broke through a part of the Union lines. Soldiers fought hand to hand. No help came to Pickett from the main Confederate lines, and at last the troops fell back after suffering terrible losses.
The failure of what became known as “Pickett’s charge” ended the Battle of Gettysburg, and General Robert E. Lee retreated the next day. The charge and the battle marked a turning point in the war. The Battle of Gettysburg shattered the Army of Northern Virginia, and the army never regained its former power. Although Pickett continued in command of his division, he was broken in spirit. He later served with General James Longstreet.
Pickett was born in Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 25, 1825. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1846. He served in the Mexican War (1846-1848) and on the Indian frontier. Pickett became a major general in 1862 and fought in the Battle of Seven Pines and at Fredericksburg. Picket died on July 30, 1875.
