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Birth of Lewis Addison Armistead
Born in New Bern, North Carolina. A son of a General, Walker Keith Armistead, who had fought in the war of 1812. -
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Life
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United States Military Academy
In 1934 Armistead was appointed cadet at the United States Military Academy -
Sixth United States Infantry
Lewis was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the Sixth Infantry of the United States. -
Sixth Infantry of the United States
In March of 1844 Armistead was appointed 1st lieutenant of the infantry, and in this rank entered the war with Mexico, in which he was distinguished, receiving the brevet rank of captain for gallantry at Contreras and Churu-busco, and brevet major for his services at Molino del Key. -
Military Life
Lewis Addison Armistead continued on with the military life, patroling the Indian borders, was promoted captain in 1855 and stayed in the military up until the beginning of the confederate war. -
Confederate Army Ranks
He was given the rank of Major in the Confederate States Army. -
Confederate Army Ranks continued
Later in the same year, became Colonel of the 57th infantry of Virginia regiment. In which he commanded in Suffolk, and in the defense of the Blackwater in the following winter. -
High Rank in the Confederate Army
Colonel Armistead was than promoted brigadier-general, and in this rank was assigned to command a brigade in the division of Benjamin Huger -
Battle of Seven Pines May 31st-June 1st 1862
At the battle of Seven Pines, Lewis was distinguished for personal bravery. He made a heroic stand with his small group of men against an entire brigade. -
From Richmond
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Battle of Gettysburg
On the third day of the battle, General Armistead is most notably remembered for fixing his hat at the end of his sword and telling his men "Remember who you are fighting for, your home, your friends, your sweethearts". Leading his bridgrade during Pickett's charge. During this, General Lewis A. Armistead was mortally wounded by a yankee cannon. -
Death of General
After the wound he had been taken right away to a field hospital. He requested that his watch and other valuable items be given to his friend Hancock, who fought on the other side. Armistead died on the Fifth of July and was buried in his family plot in St. Paul's Churchyard in Baltimore.
