James B. Walton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Burdge Walton
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| Born | 1813 New Jersey |
| Died | 1885 New Orleans |
| Allegiance | United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army (Militia) Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1839–61 (USA) 1861–64 (CSA) |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Washington Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
James Burdge Walton (born 1813, died 1885) was an important military officer. He served for 20 years in a famous New Orleans army group called the Washington Artillery.
During the American Civil War, he became a top commander for the Confederate States. He led the Washington Artillery and was the highest-ranking artillery officer. His family had a connection to American history: he was related to George Walton, who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Contents
Early Life and Business
James Burdge Walton was born in New Jersey. He later went to college in Louisiana. After his studies, he owned and ran a grocery store in New Orleans.
Military Career
Walton had a long and active military career. He joined the Washington Artillery in 1839. This was a local army unit, also known as a militia.
Service in the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War (1846-1848), Walton served as a Major. He commanded the 1st Louisiana Artillery. By 1857, he had become a Colonel and was in charge of the entire battalion.
Role in the American Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Walton and most of his Washington Artillery batteries moved East. They went to serve in Virginia.
Key Battles and Commands
Walton and his troops fought in many major battles. These included the First Battle of Manassas. After this, his group joined forces with James Longstreet's army.
They took part in the Peninsula Campaign, Second Manassas, and Antietam. Walton also commanded artillery on Marye's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg. He was also involved in the Chancellorsville Campaign.
Artillery Leadership
Walton was in charge of the artillery reserve for the First Corps. This meant he oversaw many cannons and artillery units. At the Battle of Gettysburg, another officer, Colonel E. Porter Alexander, was put in charge of the artillery for Pickett's Charge. Walton was not pleased with this decision.
Later, when parts of Longstreet's army went to Georgia, Walton stayed in southern Virginia. He worked to make artillery formations and drills better. During this time, he became a Colonel. This made him the highest-ranking artillery officer in the Confederate army.
Special Design and Retirement
One of his notable achievements was designing the "Hanging Tigers Head." This became a special badge for the Washington Artillery. Walton resigned from the army on July 18, 1864. He then returned to his business as a merchant.
Family Life
James Burdge Walton had a son named James B. Jr. His son was a student at Virginia Military Institute. In 1861, James B. Jr. left school to join the Confederate army, just like his father.
