William Barksdale

Democrat Representative of Mississippi's 3rd district

Representative
Mississippi
December 5, 1853 - March 3, 1855
Representative
Mississippi, district 3
December 3, 1855 - March 3, 1857
Representative
Mississippi, district 3
December 7, 1857 - March 3, 1859
Representative
Mississippi, district 3
December 5, 1859 - January 12, 1861

Congresses Served

House Terms

August 21, 1821 (41 years old)

Birthday

July 2, 1863

Death

Was an American lawyer and newspaper editor before entering politics
Served as a U.S. Representative for four terms from 1853 to 1861
Known for his staunch secessionist views
Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War and was mortally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg
Born in Smyrna, Tennessee, and practiced law in Mississippi after graduating from the University of Nashville
Edited a pro-slavery newspaper, the Columbus [Mississippi] Democrat
Participated in the Mexican War as a captain and quartermaster in the 2nd Mississippi Infantry Regiment
Advocated for the Compromise of 1850 and was involved in national debates over state’s rights and slavery
Supported low tariffs and was known for his fiery temperament, often resorting to physical confrontations
Was present during the caning of Senator Charles Sumner and played a role in stopping a brawl in the House by accidentally causing laughter when his wig fell off
Owned 36 slaves and a large plantation by 1860
Resigned from Congress to join the Confederate Army, eventually becoming a brigadier general
Led the 13th Mississippi Infantry Regiment in several key battles, including the First Battle of Bull Run, Battle of Antietam, and Battle of Fredericksburg
His brigade, known as “Barksdale’s Mississippi Brigade,” was noted for its charge at the Battle of Gettysburg
Died from wounds received during the Battle of Gettysburg and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Jackson, Mississippi
Portrayed in the films “Gettysburg” and “Gods and Generals”