Jubal Anderson Early

Jubal Anderson Early was an American lawyer, politician, and military officer known for his role in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, Early initially served in the U.S. Army before resigning his commission to pursue a legal and political career. As the Civil War erupted, he accepted a commission in the Confederate Army, where he became a prominent figure in the Eastern Theater. Early commanded a division under notable generals such as Stonewall Jackson and Richard S. Ewell, and later led a corps. He was particularly recognized for his defense of the Shenandoah Valley and for his audacious raids into Union territory, including attempts to reach Washington, D.C., and York, Pennsylvania, although he ultimately faced significant setbacks against Union forces led by General Philip Sheridan. After the war, Early's life took a tumultuous turn as he fled to Mexico, Cuba, and Canada before returning to the United States. He emerged as a staunch advocate for the Lost Cause narrative, delivering speeches and co-founding the Southern Historical Society and various Confederate memorial associations. His efforts to reshape the memory of the Confederacy and its leaders, especially following the death of General Robert E. Lee, positioned him as a significant figure in post-war Southern society, leaving a lasting impact on the historical discourse surrounding the Civil War and its aftermath.