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Birth of Lewis A. Armistead
Lewis A. Armistead was born February 18, 1817 in New Bern, North Carolina, the son of Gen. Walker Keith and Elizabeth Armistead. -
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West Point
Due to his family having a strong military tradition, Armistead attended West Point in 1834, but was dismissed for breaking a mess-hall plate over another students head. -
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Armisteads Military History
After being dismissed from West Point, Armistead was appointed to the regular army in 1839 and fought under his father during the Seminole Wars in Florida, where he was promoted to first lieutenant. Armistead served in the Mexican War andwas decorated for his Bravery. -
Civil War Breaks Out
At the out break of the Civil, Armistead decided to stay loyal to his home of state of North Carolina and join the Confederate Army. He resigned from the Union Army on May 26, 1861. He was assigned colonel of the 57th Virginia Infantry. -
57th Virginia Infantry
The 57th Virginia Infantry was an infantry regiment raised in Virginia to fight in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War. It fought mostly with the Army of Northern Virginia.Lewis A Armistead was a colonel for this Infantry. The 57th fought in many battles from the Seven Days Battles to Gettysburg, Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg and Petersburg. -
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57th Virginia Infantry History
The 57th Virginia Infantry Regiment was formed in Virginia for the Confederate Army during the Civil War. It fought mostly with the Army of Northern Virginia under the command of Robert E. Lee. They fought in many battles, most famously at Gettysburg. Sixty percent of the regiment that fought at Gettysburg died. They were known as good fighters. They fought hard and honorably. -
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Battle of Fredericksburg
Under the command of Maj. Gen. George Pickett at Fredericksburg, Lewis A. Armistead and the 57th Virginia Infantry helped deliver a Confederate Victory at Fredericksburg. At Fredericksburg 32 soldiers were killed in action and 192 were wounded. -
Lewis A. Armistead Gettysburg
He was a Confederate brigadier general in the Civil War. He had storied military career. He is famously remembered for the Battle of Gettysburg, On the third day of the battle, Armistead led his brigade during the famous Pickett’s Charge. He is remembered for fixing his hat on the point of sword and urged his men to “remember what you are fighting for – your homes, your friends, your sweethearts!” -
Lewis A. Armistead, Death
Armistead was wounded by a Yankee Cannon during Picketts Charge. He and his men were slaughtered by the Union Army. Armistead was taken to a Federal field hospital. There he insisted that his watch and other valuables be given to a friend. Armistead is buried in his family plot in Baltimore, Maryland.
