Jubal Early

Jubal Anderson Early: A Controversial Confederate General

Jubal Anderson Early (1816-1894) stands as a complex and often contradictory figure in American military history. A graduate of West Point, he initially served in the U.S. Army before embracing the cause of his home state, Virginia, during the Civil War. Rising through the ranks of the Confederate army, Early became a key player in the crucial Shenandoah Valley campaigns. Though lauded for his audacity and tactical skill, his aggressive nature and strategic miscalculations ultimately contributed to the Confederacy's demise.

Early Life and Pre-War Career

Born in Virginia in 1816, Jubal Early possessed an uncommon name, a legacy from his grandfather. He graduated 18th in his class at West Point in 1837, entering the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. He saw action in the Second Seminole War in Florida, but resigned his commission in 1838, preferring the pursuits of law and politics. He found success as a lawyer in Virginia, even serving a term in the state legislature. The Mexican-American War called him back to military service, where he commanded a Virginia volunteer regiment and earned the nickname "Old Jube" from his men. However, chronic rheumatism, contracted during the war, and a yearning for civilian life led him to resign once more.