Lewis B. Williams Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis B. Williams Jr.
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| Born | September 13, 1833 Virginia |
| Died | July 3, 1863 (aged 29) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held |  1st Virginia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Lewis B. Williams Jr. was an important officer in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He was a Colonel, which is a high rank in the military. He was born on September 13, 1833, and sadly died on July 3, 1863. He was killed during a famous battle called Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lewis B. Williams Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia. His father, Lewis B. Williams Sr., was a lawmaker in Virginia. He did not agree with Virginia leaving the United States.
In 1855, Lewis B. Williams Jr. finished his studies at the Virginia Military Institute. This was a military college that trained future officers.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Lewis B. Williams Jr. joined the Confederate Army. He was first chosen as a Captain in the 13th Virginia Regiment. A Captain leads a company of soldiers.
He quickly moved up in rank to become a Colonel. As a Colonel, he took command of the 1st Virginia Infantry Regiment. This regiment was also known as "The Old First."
Battle of Williamsburg
On May 5, 1862, Colonel Williams was fighting in the Battle of Williamsburg. During this battle, he was wounded and captured by the Union army.
About a month later, he was part of a prisoner exchange. This meant he was traded for a Union soldier. After being exchanged, he went back to lead the 1st Virginia Regiment. His regiment was part of a larger group called James Kemper's Brigade. This brigade was part of Pickett's Division in the Army of Northern Virginia.
The Battle of Gettysburg
Colonel Williams led the 1st Virginia Regiment on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. They were part of a huge attack against the Union army on Cemetery Hill. This attack is famously known as "Pickett's Charge."
Pickett's Charge
General George Pickett had ordered that officers should walk during this attack. However, Colonel Williams was not feeling well. So, he was given special permission to ride his horse into battle.
As the Confederate soldiers marched across an open field, they came under heavy fire from Union cannons. A cannonball exploded close to Colonel Williams. The force of the blast threw him off his horse. He landed on his own sword and was badly hurt.
His regiment continued to fight without him. Lieutenant Colonel Franklin G. Skinner took command. The 1st Virginia Regiment suffered many losses, with 80% of its soldiers either killed or wounded. They were eventually forced to retreat. Colonel Williams died from his wounds.
Burial Place
Lewis B. Williams Jr. was first buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore. Later, in 1896, his body was moved. He was reburied in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
