Edward "Allegheny" Johnson

Edward "Allegheny" Johnson: A Confederate General Overshadowed

From West Point to the Outbreak of War

Edward "Allegheny" Johnson, a name often relegated to footnotes in the grand narrative of the American Civil War, deserves a closer look. A West Point graduate and veteran of multiple conflicts, Johnson carved a respectable career in the Confederate army, rising to the rank of major general. While his legacy is tarnished by the controversial decisions at Gettysburg, his overall service paints a picture of a dedicated, if somewhat flawed, officer.

Born in Virginia in 1816, Johnson spent much of his youth in Kentucky. In 1833, he secured an appointment to West Point. Though not an academic standout, he graduated in 1838 and embarked on a military career that spanned the Seminole Wars, the Mexican-American War, and the Utah War. He garnered a reputation for toughness and leadership, earning the nickname "Old Clubby" for his blunt demeanor.

The coming of the Civil War presented a difficult choice for Johnson. A Virginian by birth, he resigned his U.S. Army commission and joined the Confederacy. Commissioned as a colonel in the 12th Georgia Infantry, he quickly impressed his superiors with his organizational skills and battlefield acumen. His brigade, known for its resilience, played a crucial role in defending Allegheny Mountain in western Virginia, earning him a promotion to brigadier general and the nickname "Allegheny" Johnson.

Rise and Controversy: The Shenandoah Valley and Gettysburg