Kirkwood Otey facts for kids
Kirkwood Otey (born October 18, 1832 – died June 1, 1897) was an important officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called the 11th Virginia Infantry.
Kirkwood Otey's Life
Kirkwood Otey was a soldier who played a part in the American Civil War. This war was a big conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy).
Serving in the Civil War
Otey started as a major and later became a colonel, which are high ranks for a military officer. He commanded the 11th Virginia Infantry from 1864 until the war ended. The war officially ended when General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate Army surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union Army. This happened at a place called Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9, 1865.
A Major Battle: Gettysburg
Before the war ended, Otey was involved in one of the most famous and difficult battles: the Battle of Gettysburg. This battle took place in Pennsylvania in July 1863. It was one of the bloodiest fights of the entire war. On July 3, 1863, Otey was wounded in the shoulder during a huge attack known as Pickett's Charge. Even though he was hurt, he survived and continued to lead his soldiers until the war was over.
After the War
After the American Civil War ended, Kirkwood Otey lived for many more years. He passed away in 1897. He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia, next to his wife.
