J.E.B. Stuart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Ewell Brown Stuart
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| Nickname(s) | Jeb, Beauty, Knight of the Golden Spurs |
| Born | February 6, 1833 Patrick County, Virginia |
| Died | May 12, 1864 (aged 31) Richmond, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Hollywood Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1854–61 (USA) 1861–64 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Captain (USA) Major General (CSA) |
| Commands held | Cavalry Corps, Army of Northern Virginia |
| Battles/wars | Bleeding Kansas American Civil War |
| Signature |  |
James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart (born February 6, 1833 – died May 12, 1864) was an important general during the American Civil War. He was from Virginia and first served in the United States Army. Later, he joined the Confederate States Army. His friends called him "Jeb," which came from the first letters of his names.
Stuart was a skilled cavalry commander. Cavalry are soldiers who fight on horseback. He was very good at finding out where enemy troops were (reconnaissance). He also used his cavalry to help his army attack. Stuart was known for his fancy style. He often wore a gray cape with red lining, a yellow sash, and a hat with an ostrich feather. He was seen as the "eyes and ears" of General Robert E. Lee's army. His leadership helped boost the spirits of the Southern soldiers.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Jeb Stuart was born in Patrick County, Virginia. He grew up in a large family. In 1854, he graduated from West Point. This is a famous military school.
After West Point, Stuart served in the U.S. Army. He worked in places like Texas and Kansas. He gained experience fighting on the frontier. He also saw conflict during a time called Bleeding Kansas. This was a period of violence over whether Kansas would allow slavery. Stuart also helped capture John Brown, an abolitionist, at Harpers Ferry.
Joining the Confederate Army
When Virginia left the United States in 1861, Stuart resigned from the U.S. Army. He chose to serve his home state. On May 10, 1861, he became a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate Army.
General Robert E. Lee, who led Virginia's forces, sent Stuart to Harpers Ferry. There, Stuart reported to Stonewall Jackson. Jackson put Stuart in charge of all the cavalry companies. This group became the 1st Virginia Cavalry Regiment. Stuart was promoted to colonel on July 16.
Stuart's Role in the War
Stuart quickly became known as a brave cavalry leader. He played a big part in many battles of the Army of Northern Virginia. He often rode his cavalry completely around the Union Army. This made him famous and embarrassed the Union forces. He did this during the Peninsula Campaign and the Maryland Campaign.
At the Battle of Chancellorsville, Stuart showed his skill in a different way. When Stonewall Jackson was wounded, Stuart temporarily took command of Jackson's infantry (foot soldiers). He led them well during the battle.
The Gettysburg Campaign
Stuart's most famous campaign was Gettysburg. However, it also brought him some trouble. At the Battle of Brandy Station, his cavalry was surprised by a Union attack.
Later, Stuart's cavalry became separated from General Lee's main army. This meant Lee didn't know where the Union troops were moving. Some historians believe this lack of information contributed to the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, some people criticized Stuart for this. However, historians still debate whether it was his fault or just bad luck.
Death in Battle
In 1864, during the Overland Campaign, Union General Philip Sheridan launched a major cavalry attack. Stuart's forces met Sheridan's at the Battle of Yellow Tavern. During this battle, Stuart was badly wounded. He died on May 12, 1864. His wife, Flora Stuart, wore black clothes for the rest of her life to remember him.
Legacy and Memorials
Jeb Stuart is remembered as one of the greatest cavalry commanders in American history. His friend, Union General John Sedgwick, called him "the greatest cavalry officer ever foaled in America." Stuart, like Stonewall Jackson, was killed in battle. Both had very colorful public images.
Historian Jeffry D. Wert wrote that Stuart was seen as the Confederacy's "knight-errant." He was a bold and dashing horseman. He wore a fancy uniform with a plumed hat and cape. Even in the middle of terrible battles, he represented the idea of chivalry. He carefully created this image, and it suited him well.
Many things have been named in Stuart's honor:
- A statue of Stuart stands on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. It was put there in 1907. Like Stonewall Jackson's statue, his horse faces north. This shows he died fighting in the war.
- In 1884, the town of Taylorsville, Virginia, was renamed Stuart.
- During World War II, the British Army named two American-made tanks the Stuart tank after him.
- A high school in Falls Church, Virginia, and a middle school in Jacksonville, Florida, are named for him.
In 2006, a special Confederate battle flag was sold for a record price. Stuart's wife, Flora, sewed this flag for him in 1862. Stuart carried it into some of his most famous battles.
Stuart's birthplace, Laurel Hill, is in Patrick County, Virginia. In 1992, a group bought the land to protect it. They want to teach people about Stuart's early life there.
Images for kids
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Laurel Hill Farm overview, 2017
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A young Stuart
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Stonewall Jackson assigned Stuart to cavalry.
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CSA Cavalry General J. E. B. Stuart
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Stuart's hat, sword and LeMat Revolver (Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, VA)
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Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863
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Stuart's ride (shown with a red dotted line) during the Gettysburg Campaign, June 3 – July 3, 1863
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The 1864 Overland Campaign, including the Battle of Yellow Tavern
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Lieutenant Colonel Gus W. Dorsey
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Gravesite of Jeb and Flora Stuart, Hollywood Cemetery
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M3A1 Stuart tank
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Southern Troopers Song, Dedicated to Gen'l. J. E. B. Stuart and his gallant Soldiers, Sheet music, Danville, Virginia, c. 1864
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See also
In Spanish: J. E. B. Stuart para niños
