George Allen Gilreath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George A. Gilreath
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Captain George A. Gilreath
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| Born | September 26, 1834 Wilkes County, North Carolina |
| Died | July 3, 1863 (aged 28) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Memorial Old Gilreath Family Cem. Wilkes Co., North Carolina
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| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1863 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Commands held |  Company B 55th NC Troops, Acting Commander 55th NC Regiment.,CSA
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| Awards | Roll of Honor |
George Allen Gilreath (born September 26, 1834 – died July 3, 1863) was a soldier who fought for the Confederate side during the American Civil War. He was a captain and led a group of soldiers from North Carolina. He is known for his role in a famous battle called Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, where he was killed.
Early Life in North Carolina
George Allen Gilreath was born on September 26, 1834, in Wilkes County, North Carolina. His parents were Noah Gilreath Sr. and Elizabeth Allen. He grew up on a large family farm that was about 600 acres (2.4 square kilometers). His grandfather, Alexander Gilreath, had settled there in 1776.
George's grandfather was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. He ran a grist mill, which grinds grain into flour, and a blacksmith shop. He also held many important jobs in the community, like tax collector and postmaster. The family farm used the labor of about a dozen enslaved people to work the land.
When George was in his early 20s, he moved away from North Carolina. He bought land in Arkansas. In 1857, he got married to Lurana Gilbert. Sadly, his wife and young child passed away. After this tragedy, George returned to his family home in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Serving in the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861. On March 1, 1862, when George Gilreath was 27 years old, he joined the Confederate army. He volunteered in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in Company B, 55th North Carolina Troops. This group was part of a larger unit called Davis's Brigade.
George quickly moved up in rank. On May 19, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Then, on September 15, 1862, he became a Captain. This happened after the previous captain of his company left his position.
The Battle of Gettysburg
In 1863, Captain Gilreath and his unit were part of the Battle of Gettysburg, a very important battle in the Civil War. On the third day of the battle, many officers in the 55th North Carolina Regiment had been killed or wounded. Because of this, Captain Gilreath became the acting commander of the regiment.
General Robert E. Lee, the leader of the Confederate army, ordered a massive attack. This attack is now famous as Pickett's Charge. The plan was for 12,500 Confederate soldiers, including Gilreath's regiment, to march across an open field. Their goal was to break through the center of the Union army's defenses.
At 1:00 PM on July 3, 1863, a huge artillery barrage began. Over 140 Confederate cannons fired at the Union lines. Then, at 3:00 PM, the Confederate soldiers formed long lines and started their march. They had to cross about a mile of open ground while being fired upon by Union troops.
Captain Gilreath led his men towards a stone wall on Cemetery Ridge, where the Union soldiers were protected. It was a very dangerous charge, and many soldiers did not make it. However, some members of the 55th North Carolina Regiment, including Captain Gilreath, reached the stone wall and even went beyond it.
Sadly, Captain George Allen Gilreath was killed during this brave charge. The Confederate army then retreated from Gettysburg on July 4, leaving the battlefield. It is believed that Captain Gilreath's body was left behind on the battlefield.
