Jubal Early

Jubal Early, born on November third, eighteen sixteen, was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and military officer. He received his training at the United States Military Academy and initially served in the United States Army. However, after the Second Seminole War, he resigned his commission to pursue a career in law and politics, later doing the same after the Mexican–American War.

As the American Civil War erupted, Early accepted a military commission in Virginia, eventually serving in the Confederate States Army. He played a significant role in the Eastern Theater of the war, commanding a division under notable generals such as Stonewall Jackson and Richard S. Ewell, and later leading a corps. His strategic prowess was particularly evident during the Valley campaigns of eighteen sixty-four, where he executed bold raids reaching the outskirts of Washington, D.C., and even York, Pennsylvania.

Despite his initial successes, Early faced setbacks, notably being pushed back by Union forces led by General Philip Sheridan, resulting in the loss of over half his troops. Following the war, he fled to Mexico, Cuba, and Canada, returning to the United States as an unapologetic supporter of the Confederacy.

In the years following the death of General Robert E. Lee in eighteen seventy, Early became a vocal advocate for the Lost Cause narrative of the Confederacy. He co-founded the Southern Historical Society and several Confederate memorial associations, leaving a lasting impact on the historical memory of the Civil War.