Image source: Unknown photographer
Overview: James Longstreet was Lee’s senior corps commander at Gettysburg, and his role in the second day’s attack and his reservations about the battle plan have been debated by historians ever since.
Before Gettysburg: Known as one of Lee’s most trusted subordinates, Longstreet had commanded troops effectively at Second Manassas, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.
Role at Gettysburg: Longstreet expressed doubts about attacking the strong Union position and reportedly favored a flanking maneuver instead. He nonetheless carried out Lee’s orders, directing the July 2 assault on the Union left and overseeing preparations for Pickett’s Charge on July 3.
After Gettysburg: Longstreet went on to serve in the Western theater and later returned to Virginia with Lee’s army, serving through the end of the war.
Why This Story Matters: The dispute over Longstreet’s conduct at Gettysburg became a major point of controversy in postwar memory, particularly among former Confederates who blamed him for the defeat.