Charles Didier Dreux facts for kids
Charles Didier Dreux (born May 11, 1832 – died July 5, 1861) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He was the very first officer from the Confederate Army to be killed in battle. He came from a well-known family in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Early Life and Career
Charles Didier Dreux was born in New Orleans. His parents were Guy Dreux and Léontine Arnoult. Before the Civil War, Dreux was a lawyer. He worked as a district attorney, which means he represented the government in court. He was also a member of the Louisiana state legislature. This group helped make laws for the state.
His Role in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Dreux joined the Confederate Army. He became a Lieutenant Colonel. He led a group of soldiers called the Louisiana Guard Battalion. This group was also known as Dreux's (1st) Battalion. It was made up of the first five companies of soldiers from Louisiana who volunteered for the war.
Just three months after the war started, Dreux was killed. This happened on July 5, 1861, near Young's Mill in Warwick, Virginia (which is now Newport News, Virginia). He was on a mission to try and capture some Union officers. His last words were "Steady, boys! Steady!”
Remembering Charles Dreux
Many people remembered Charles Dreux after his death. About 30,000 people attended his funeral in New Orleans. He is buried in Metairie Cemetery.
People who knew him described him as a very charming and inspiring person. They said he was "brilliant, eloquent, dashing."
A monument was built to honor him in New Orleans. It stands where Canal Street and South Jefferson Davis Parkway meet. The words on the monument share details about his life and death. They say he was the first Confederate officer from Louisiana killed in the war. The monument also mentions his last words: "Boys steady."
A song was also written about him. It was called Elegy on the Death of Lt. Col. Chas. Dreux. The words were by James R. Randall, and the music was by G. M. Loening. It was published in New Orleans in 1861.
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Charles Didier Dreux
