Jubal Early
A pugnacious Confederate general whose late-war raids threatened Washington and whose writings fueled the 'Lost Cause' myth.
1816–1894 (age 78)·American lawyer, politician and military officer·Birthday: November 3
Biography
Jubal Early was a complex and irascible figure who left a deep scar on American history. A West Point graduate and Mexican-American War veteran, he opposed secession but followed Virginia into the Confederacy, becoming one of Robert E. Lee's most trusted corps commanders. In 1864, his daring raid down the Shenandoah Valley brought Confederate troops to the fortifications of Washington, D.C., causing a brief panic before being repelled. After the war, he refused to seek a pardon and became a vocal architect of the 'Lost Cause' ideology, serving as president of the Southern Historical Society. Through this role, he helped shape a narrative that romanticized the Confederacy and downplayed slavery's role in the war, a legacy that influenced historical memory for generations.
#1 When Jubal Was Born
The biggest hits of 1816
Jubal's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1816Born
1821Started school
1829Became a teenager
1832Could drive
1834Could vote
1837Turned 21
1846Turned 30
1856Turned 40
1866Turned 50
President: Andrew Johnson
1876Turned 60
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1886Turned 70
Statue of Liberty dedicated in New York Harbor
President: Grover Cleveland
1894Died at 78
President: Grover Cleveland
Key Achievements
- Commanded Confederate forces during the 1864 raid that reached the outskirts of Washington, D.C., the only direct threat to the U.S. capital.
- Served as a corps commander in the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee during key campaigns from 1862-1865.
- Played a leading role in the Battle of the Wilderness and the defense during the Siege of Petersburg.
- As president of the Southern Historical Society, he edited publications that promoted the 'Lost Cause' interpretation of the Civil War.
Did You Know?
He was known for his sharp tongue and argumentative nature, earning the nickname 'Old Jube' or 'Old Jubilee' from his troops.
He never married and had a reputation for being a lifelong bachelor with a fondness for whiskey and poker.
After the war, he practiced law and was involved in the Louisiana Lottery.
He was the great-uncle of author and journalist Harry Stillwell Edwards.
“The only good Yankees are the ones that come over the river to trade.”
