Harper's Encyclopædia of United States History from 458 AD to 1905

by Benson John Lossing and Woodrow Wilson, 1905

George E. Pickett

Pickett, GEORGE EDWARD, military officer; born in Richmond, Va., Jan. 25. 1825; graduated at the United States Military Academy in 1846; distinguished himself in the Mexican War, taking part in most of the important actions; was promoted captain in 1855; resigned from the National army June 25, 1861 ; and was appointed a colonel of Virginia State troops. He was promoted brigadier-general under Longstreet in 1862, and soon afterwards major-general. He became famous by leading the charge, named after him, in the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. On that day he carried a hill and entered the lines of the National troops. Though his command was nearly annihilated, his feat is considered the most brilliant one in the history of the Confederate army. In May, 1864, when General Butler tried to take Petersburg, that city was saved by Pickett's brave defence. He died in Norfolk, Va., July 30, 1875. see GETTYSBURG, BATTLE OF.

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Pickett, GEORGE EDWARD, Harper's Encyclopædia of United States History from 458 AD to 1905 by Benson John Lossing and Woodrow Wilson, 1905, Vol. 7, Page 201.