General Joseph Johnston was a prominent figure in the American Civil War, serving as a Confederate general for the Southern states. Born on February 3, 1828, in Farmville, Virginia, Johnston’s military career spanned over three decades, and he played a significant role in the outcome of the Civil War. This article aims to delve into the life, achievements, and controversies surrounding General Joseph Johnston.
General Joseph Johnston began his military career in the United States Army, where he served with distinction during the Mexican-American War. After the war, he resigned from the army and entered the private sector, working as a surveyor and land developer. However, Johnston’s passion for military service never faded, and he returned to the army in 1859, this time as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army.
Johnston’s first significant command during the Civil War was the defense of New Orleans in 1861. Despite being outnumbered, he managed to hold off Union forces for several weeks, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent. In 1862, Johnston was promoted to full general and given command of the Army of Tennessee, one of the most powerful Confederate armies.
Under Johnston’s leadership, the Army of Tennessee achieved several notable victories, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Chickamauga. However, Johnston’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in 1863 when he was defeated at the Battle of Chattanooga. Despite the setback, Johnston remained a respected and popular figure among his troops and the Confederate public.
One of the most controversial aspects of Johnston’s career was his relationship with General Robert E. Lee. While both generals were highly respected, they had differing strategies and often clashed. Johnston’s more aggressive approach often put him at odds with Lee, who preferred a more defensive stance. This tension reached a climax during the Battle of Gettysburg, where Johnston was relieved of his command by Lee.
After Gettysburg, Johnston was reassigned to the Department of the South, where he successfully held off Union forces in North Carolina and South Carolina. However, as the war progressed and Confederate resources dwindled, Johnston’s ability to maintain his defenses became increasingly challenging. In April 1865, Johnston surrendered to Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, effectively ending the Civil War in the South.
After the war, General Joseph Johnston faced a challenging post-war life. Despite his reputation as a war hero, Johnston was unable to find a permanent position in the federal government or military. Instead, he focused on rebuilding his life and advocating for reconciliation between the North and South. Johnston’s efforts to promote healing and unity were notable, and he was even invited to attend the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1863, a rare gesture of respect from the Union government.
General Joseph Johnston passed away on March 21, 1893, in Macon, Georgia. His legacy as a military leader and peacemaker continues to be a subject of debate and admiration. While some view him as a traitor to the South, others recognize his contributions to the Confederate cause and his efforts to bridge the divide between North and South in the aftermath of the Civil War. General Joseph Johnston’s life and career serve as a complex and intriguing study of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
