Details for General John W. Whitfield

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5285002135

Data

Marker Number 2135
Atlas Number 5285002135
Marker Title General John W. Whitfield
Index Entry Whitfield, General John W.
Address
City Hallettsville
County Lavaca
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 700092
UTM Northing 3258607
Subject Codes Mexican immigrants/immigration; Civil War; military topics
Marker Year 1962
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location Memorial Park, 315 South Dowling Street, Hallettsville
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size Pink civil war centennial
Marker Text Born Tennessee. Legislator. Went to Missouri 1853. Indian agent Kansas. Territory Kansas representative U.S. Congress 1854-57. Moved Texas before Civil War. Organized Lavaca County company for C.S.A. 1861, led 4th Battalion Texas Cavalry Pea Ridge, Ark. wounded battle Iuka, Miss. Leading legion. Made brigadier general 1863. Left command due to ill health, fall 1863. Lavaca County delegate to Texas constitutional conventions, 1866, 1875. A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy Erected by the State of Texas 1963 Whitfield's Legion, C.S.A. Originated with Cavalry company organized by Capt. J. W. Whitfield in Lavaca County 1861. Joined C.S.A. troops in Missouri to put Missouri, Kansas in Confederacy. Became part 4th Battalion Texas Cavalry participating Battle Pea Ridge, Ark. Mar. 1862. Organized as 27th Texas Cavalry Regt., commonly called "Whitfield's Legion", Apr. 1862. Soon dismounted, sent to reinforce Gen. Beauregard at Corinth, Miss. Rendered valorous service at Battle Iuka, Sept. 1862 with 106 killed and wounded in successful charge against artillery battery. Protected retreating C.S.A. battery. Protected retreating C.S.A. Army at Hatchie River. Fought Battle Spring Hill, Miss. March 1863. Remounted and made part 2nd cavalry brigade commanded by Gen. Whitfield. Defeated Federals in attack at Messinger's Ferry, Miss. July 1863. Upon Gen. Whitfield's retirement Gen. "Sul" Ross assumed command and brigade gained renown as Ross Texas Brigade.