David Lang (Civil War) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Lang
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| Born | May 9, 1838 Camden County, Georgia |
| Died | December 13, 1917 (aged 79) Tallahassee, Florida |
| Place of burial |
Old City Cemetery, Tallahassee, Florida
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America United States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army.png){kind=small} Florida Militia |
| Years of service | 1861–65 (CSA) 1885–93 (Florida Militia) |
| Rank |  Colonel Major General |
| Commands held |  8th Florida Infantry Florida Militia |
| Campaigns | American Civil War |
| Other work | Florida state representative (1885–1894) Florida Adjutant General (1885–1893) |
David Lang (born May 9, 1838 – died December 13, 1917) was an important figure in Florida's history. He was a land surveyor, a brave officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, a civil engineer, and a Florida politician. He played a key role in several major battles and later helped shape Florida's state military.
Contents
Early Life and Education
David Lang was born in Camden County, Georgia. He attended the Georgia Military Institute in Marietta. He graduated in 1857, ranking 4th in his class of 16 students. After finishing school, he moved to Suwannee County, Florida, where he worked as a surveyor. Surveyors measure and map land.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, David Lang joined the Confederate Army. This was on April 2, 1861. He started as a private soldier in the 1st Florida Infantry. Just over a month later, he was promoted to sergeant. After his first year of service, he left the army briefly.
Joining the 8th Florida Infantry
In May 1862, Lang joined the 8th Florida Infantry. He became a captain, leading Company C. He saw intense fighting and was wounded twice. First, at the Battle of Antietam in September. Then, he was injured again at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December.
Defending Fredericksburg
At Fredericksburg, Captain Lang and his men bravely defended the town. They tried to stop the Union Army from building pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock River. During this battle, a piece of an artillery shell hit the building where Lang was. A large chunk of the building struck his head, causing a serious injury.
Leading the 8th Florida Regiment
After recovering from his wounds, Lang was promoted to colonel on April 30, 1863. He then led the 8th Florida Regiment. He fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville. During this battle, his brigade commander became ill. Colonel Lang stepped up to lead the entire brigade.
Gettysburg Campaign
Colonel Lang led his brigade during the famous Gettysburg Campaign. On July 2, 1863, his troops attacked the center of the Union line. They advanced far but were eventually pushed back. The next day, his brigade supported Pickett's Charge. This was a massive attack, but Lang's men faced heavy fire. They lost about 60% of their soldiers.
Later Campaigns and Surrender
After Gettysburg, General Perry returned to command. Colonel Lang went back to leading the 8th Florida. He led them in several more campaigns. These included the Bristoe Campaign and the Mine Run Campaign. He also fought in the 1864 Overland Campaign. Towards the end of the war, Colonel Lang was again leading the Florida Brigade. He surrendered his troops at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. This marked the end of the Civil War for his unit.
Life After the War
After the war ended, David Lang returned to Florida. He became a civil engineer. On February 28, 1866, he married Mary "Mollie" Quarles Campbell. They had four children together.
Political Career and Public Service
Lang became involved in Florida politics. He was elected as a state representative for Tallahassee, Florida. He served in this role from 1885 to 1893. He also served as Florida's Adjutant General for eight years. This position is like a chief of staff for the state's military forces.
As Adjutant General, Lang was very important in improving Florida's state militia troops. His work helped create the modern National Guard in Florida. He worked to get more money and better pay for the troops. He held the rank of major general during this time.
Later Years
In 1895, Lang returned to the Gettysburg Battlefield. He helped mark the exact spot for the Florida state monument. He continued his political career, serving in the legislature until 1901. Later, he worked as a private secretary for two Florida Governors. David Lang also served as the Cashier of the Florida State Hospital. He passed away on December 13, 1917, and was buried in the Old City Cemetery in Tallahassee.
Honors
The David Lang Camp #1314 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Tallahassee was named in his honor. This group remembers and honors Confederate soldiers.
