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Birth of Albert Sidney Johnston
Johnston was born in Washington, Kentucky. His parents were Dr. John Johnston and Abigail Harris Johnston. -
Graduation of West Point
Johnston graduated eighth of 41 cadets in his class from West Point with a commission as a brevet second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Infantry. -
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Texas Army
Johnston enlisted in the Texas army as a private during the Texas war of Independence against the Republic of Mexico. He moved up the rancks until he lost in a duel against Brig. Gen. Felix Huston on who will take command of the army. Johnston was wounded in the pelvis. He was then made Secretary of War for the republic of Texas. He resigned in 1840 to return to Kentucky -
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U.S. Army
Johnston fought in many battles when he was in the army. When he was a Major, he traveled over 4000 miles, made 6 tours over a 5 year period. In 1855 he was appointed colonel of the new 2nd U.S. Cavalry unit. 1857 he was made Bri. Gen. for his service in Utah. In 1860 he sailed to Califorina to take command of the Department of the Pacific. -
Start of the Civil War
The start of the American Civil War. This was the bloodiest war in American history. -
Promoted to full General
Johnston, along with Samuel Cooper, Robert E. Lee, Joseph E. Johnston P.G.T Beauregard are promoted to full general. -
Confederate West
Jefferson Davis places Johnston in command of the Confederate West. -
Battle of Shiloh Begins
Johnston launched a massive suprise attack with his concentrated forces against Grant. Johnston was heavly outnumbered by Grants army and he and his men pay the price for it -
Death
At about 2:30 pm, Johnston was shot behind his right knee while rallying his troops up. He did not think the wound was serious at the time, so he sent his personal physican to attened to wounded captured union soldiers instead. The bullet has actually clipped his popliteal artery, his boot filled up with blood within minutes. He fell off his horse and his troops tried to save his life but he died within minutes after going unconscious. -
Legacy
Johnston was highly missed in the confederace. Davis believed the loss of Johnston "was the turning point of our fate". Johnston was a great leader and was good at ralying his troops up.