List of American Civil War generals (Confederate)

The Confederate States of America, during the American Civil War (1861-1865), commissioned numerous military officers to lead its armies. The following list comprises notable generals who served in the Confederate Army, generally holding ranks from Brigadier General to General. It is important to note that rank designation and authority within the Confederate Army were often fluid and based on a complex interplay of factors beyond mere military skill, including political connections and perceived loyalty to the Confederacy. This list is not exhaustive and includes those generals whose contributions significantly impacted the course of the war or who are historically significant figures.

General Officers

• General: The highest rank in the Confederate Army, typically held by those with command of entire armies or significant departments. Examples include:

  • Samuel Cooper (Adjutant General and Inspector General)
  • Braxton Bragg
  • Albert Sidney Johnston
  • Robert E. Lee
  • Joseph E. Johnston
  • P.G.T. Beauregard
  • Edmund Kirby Smith

• Lieutenant General: A rank below General, often commanding corps within larger armies. Examples include:

  • James Longstreet
  • Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson
  • A.P. Hill
  • Leonidas Polk
  • Richard S. Ewell
  • Jubal Early
  • Daniel Harvey Hill
  • William J. Hardee

• Major General: A rank below Lieutenant General, often commanding divisions. Examples include:

  • George Pickett
  • J.E.B. Stuart
  • Ambrose Powell Hill (later Lieutenant General)
  • Patrick Cleburne
  • John Bell Hood (later Lieutenant General)
  • Benjamin F. Cheatham
  • Sterling Price
  • John C. Breckinridge
  • Earl Van Dorn
  • Lafayette McLaws

• Brigadier General: The lowest general officer rank, often commanding brigades. Examples include:

  • Nathan Bedford Forrest (later Lieutenant General)
  • Lewis Armistead
  • Richard Garnett
  • James Kemper
  • Henry Heth
  • William Mahone
  • Stand Watie (Confederate Cherokee Brigadier General)
  • Robert Toombs
  • Roger Atkinson Pryor
  • John Hunt Morgan

Considerations:

• Provisional Army: Many officers held commissions in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS) rather than the Regular Army. This distinction is relevant for understanding rank precedence and authority.
• Command Structure: The Confederate Army's command structure was subject to change throughout the war, influencing the responsibilities and impact of individual generals.
• Casualties: High casualty rates among Confederate officers created opportunities for promotion and reshuffling of command assignments.
• Controversy: Some Confederate generals remain controversial figures due to their involvement in the institution of slavery and their role in the secession of the Southern states.
• Regional Variations: The quality and effectiveness of Confederate generals varied depending on the theater of war and the resources available to them.

This list serves as an introductory overview and further research is recommended for a more in-depth understanding of Confederate military leadership.