Born May 28, 1818
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Died February 20, 1893
New Orleans, Louisiana

Confederate general
Southern hero of Fort Sumter and First Bull Run

Pierre G. T. Beauregard was "full of talent and of much military experience."

Confederate president Jefferson Davis

Pierre G. T. Beauregard.

Pierre G. T. Beauregard was a key figure in many of the South's early Civil War victories. He led the conquest of Fort Sumter that actually started the war, and he helped guide the Confederacy to victory in the first major battle of the conflict in July 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run (also known as the First Battle of Manassas). But his war record ended up being a controversial one. For example, some critics believe that his decisions at the Battle of Shiloh (April 1862) prevented the South from gaining a major victory. In addition, Beauregard's arrogance and political...