What was John Bell Hood's full name, and what was his primary military affiliation during the American Civil War?

John Bell Hood was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, serving in the Confederate States Army.

Where and when was John Bell Hood born, and what was his nickname?

John Bell Hood was born in Owingsville, Kentucky, on either June 1 or June 29, 1831, and was known to his friends as "Sam."

What was Hood's educational background before the Civil War, and what was his academic standing at West Point?

Hood graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1853, ranking 44th out of 52, and had accumulated a high number of demerits, nearly facing expulsion.

What were the early stages of Hood's military career in the U.S. Army, and what was the first wound he sustained?

Before the Civil War, Hood served in the U.S. Army in California and Texas, where he sustained his first wound, an arrow through his hand, during an action against Comanches at Devil's River, Texas.

How did Hood offer his services at the start of the Civil War, and what was his initial rank in the Confederate army?

At the beginning of the Civil War, Hood offered his services to Texas and joined the Confederate army as a cavalry captain, later promoted to major.

When was Hood promoted to Brigadier General, and what command did he receive that helped establish his reputation?

Hood was promoted to Brigadier General on March 26, 1862, and received command of the Texas Brigade, with which he gained a reputation for aggressive leadership.

What significant injuries did Hood sustain during the Civil War, and how did they affect him?

Hood was severely wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, incapacitating his left arm, and again at the Battle of Chickamauga, requiring the amputation of his right leg.

What was Hood's age when he took command of the Army of Tennessee, and what distinction did this bring him?

Hood was 33 years old when he took command of the Army of Tennessee, making him the youngest army commander on either side of the war.

What was the general assessment of Hood's leadership style and its impact, according to historian Bruce Catton?

Historian Bruce Catton suggested that Hood's impulsiveness led to high troop losses, and replacing General Joseph E. Johnston with Hood was a significant mistake made by the Confederate government.

What was Hood's post-war occupation, and what personal tragedy befell him and his family?

After the war, Hood worked in the insurance business, but his business collapsed due to a yellow fever epidemic which also claimed the lives of his wife and eldest daughter, leaving him with ten orphaned children.

Who were John Bell Hood's parents, and what familial connections did he have to prominent political figures?

John Bell Hood's parents were John Wills Hood, a doctor, and Theodosia French Hood. He was a cousin of General G. W. Smith and nephew of U.S. Representative Richard French.

Who were some of Hood's notable classmates and instructors at West Point?

Hood's classmates included future U.S. Army generals James B. McPherson and John M. Schofield, and he received instruction from George Henry Thomas.

Why did Hood decline the position of chief instructor of cavalry at West Point in 1860?

Hood declined the position to remain with his active field regiment and to keep his options open in light of the impending war.

What was Hood's role in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, and what was the consequence for his brigade?

At the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Hood led his brigade in a charge that broke the Union line, but his brigade suffered over 400 casualties.

What incident led to a dispute between Hood and Brigadier General Nathan "Shanks" Evans, and how was it resolved?

Hood was briefly arrested by Evans over captured ambulances, but General Lee intervened and restored Hood to command.

How did Hood's division perform at the Battle of Antietam, and what was the casualty rate?

Hood's division fought in the cornfield and West Woods at Antietam, suffering nearly 1,000 casualties out of 2,000 men.

What was General Lee's sentiment regarding the Army of Northern Virginia, as expressed in a letter to Hood before Gettysburg?

General Lee expressed his belief that the army would be invincible if properly organized and officered, stating its men would go anywhere and do anything if properly led.

What tactical suggestion did Hood make to Longstreet regarding the Gettysburg assault, and what was the outcome of his division's attack?

Hood suggested moving around the Union left flank, but Longstreet refused. Hood's division's attack veered east, meeting Union forces near Little Round Top, and Hood was wounded.

How did Mary Boykin Chesnut describe Hood's appearance and demeanor?

Mary Boykin Chesnut described Hood as having a "sad Quixote face," being tall, thin, shy, with blue eyes and light hair, and possessing a fierce light in his eyes during battle.

What was the nature of the command Hood received at Chickamauga, and what significant event occurred for him there?

At Chickamauga, Hood formed a "mini-corps" and led Longstreet's assault, exploiting a gap in the Federal line, but was severely wounded again, leading to the amputation of his right leg.

How did Hood's criticism of General Johnston's strategy reach the Confederate government, and what was the result?

Hood sent critical letters about Johnston's conduct to Richmond, bypassing official channels, which contributed to Johnston being relieved and Hood being promoted to command the Army of Tennessee.

What was General Lee's assessment of Hood's capabilities when asked about his promotion to army command?

General Lee described Hood as a bold fighter who was industrious on the battlefield but careless off it, and he expressed doubt about Hood's overall suitability to command an army.

How did Sherman plan to exploit Hood's perceived leadership tendencies?

Sherman planned to use Hood's perceived reckless and gambling tendencies to his advantage.

What was the outcome of Hood's four major attacks during the Atlanta Campaign?

All of Hood's offensives failed, resulting in significant Confederate casualties, notably at the Battle of Ezra Church.

What action did Hood take on September 1, 1864, regarding Atlanta?

Hood evacuated the city of Atlanta, burning as many military supplies and installations as possible.

What was the strategic objective of Hood and Jefferson Davis in planning the campaign north through Alabama and Tennessee?

Their plan was to attack Sherman's lines of communication, move north, defeat Sherman, recruit forces, and then aid Lee at Petersburg.

How did Sherman react to Hood's movement into Tennessee?

Sherman viewed Hood's movement as furthering his own objective by removing opposing forces from his path.

What happened at the Battle of Spring Hill, Tennessee, during Hood's campaign?

Hood's attempt to trap Schofield's army at Spring Hill failed due to command issues, allowing Schofield's forces to escape.

Describe the Battle of Franklin (1864) from Hood's perspective.

Hood ordered his troops to assault across open ground without artillery support against strong Union breastworks, resulting in severe casualties and failure to breach the defenses.

What was the ultimate outcome of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign for the Army of Tennessee?

The Army of Tennessee was decisively defeated at the Battle of Nashville, ceasing to be an effective fighting force and suffering approximately 23,500 casualties.

What assignment did Hood request in March 1865, and what decision did he agree to with Lt. Gen. Taylor?

Hood requested an assignment to the Trans-Mississippi Theater and agreed with Taylor's proposal that his force should surrender.

When and where was John Bell Hood officially paroled?

John Bell Hood was paroled on May 31, 1865, in Natchez, Mississippi.

What was Hood's view on "negroes" as expressed in his letter to Sherman?

In his letter to Sherman, Hood expressed his conviction that "negroes" were an inferior race and stated that the Union desired to place this inferior race over white men.

What businesses did Hood engage in after the Civil War in Louisiana?

After the war, Hood worked as a cotton broker and served as president of the Life Association of America, an insurance business.

What was the title of Hood's memoir, and what was its purpose?

Hood's memoir was titled "Advance and Retreat: Personal Experiences in the United States and Confederate States Armies," and it aimed to justify his actions and respond to criticisms.

Where is John Bell Hood interred, and what U.S. Army installation was named in his honor?

John Bell Hood is interred at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans. Fort Hood was named in his honor until its renaming in May 2023.

What legislative action led to the renaming of Fort Hood and other military bases named after Confederate leaders?

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 mandated the renaming of Army bases named after prominent Confederate military leaders.

How did Stephen Vincent Benét describe Hood in his poem "Army of Northern Virginia"?

Stephen Vincent Benét described Hood as being like a lion, lacking the cunning of a fox, and possessing the spirit to lead forlorn hopes.

What did Sam Watkins write as an epitaph for Hood in his memoir "Company Aytch"?

Watkins' epitaph described Hood as having "a lion's heart" and scattering "fame and limbs all around," yet being "with glory crowned."

What was Sam Watkins' later appraisal of Hood's command?

Watkins later appraised Hood's command by stating that Hood "did all that he could. The die had been cast. Our cause had been lost before he took command."

What verse from "The Yellow Rose of Texas" was reportedly sung by Hood's troops after the Franklin-Nashville Campaign?

The verse reportedly sung by Hood's troops described their suffering and expressed a desire to return to Georgia to find General Johnston, while also noting Hood's aggressive actions in Tennessee.

What was Hood's role in the Battle of Chickamauga, and what significant event occurred for him there?

At Chickamauga, Hood led Longstreet's assault, exploiting a gap in the Federal line, but was severely wounded again, leading to the amputation of his right leg.

How did Hood's criticism of General Johnston's strategy reach the Confederate government, and what was the result?

Hood sent critical letters about Johnston's conduct to Richmond, bypassing official channels, which contributed to Johnston being relieved and Hood being promoted to command the Army of Tennessee.

What was the ultimate outcome of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign for the Army of Tennessee?

The Army of Tennessee was decisively defeated at the Battle of Nashville, ceasing to be an effective fighting force and suffering approximately 23,500 casualties.

What legislative action led to the renaming of Fort Hood and other military bases named after Confederate leaders?

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 mandated the renaming of Army bases named after prominent Confederate military leaders.

John Bell Hood Wiki: Hood's Gambit: A Confederate General's Reckoning

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John Bell Hood: An Overview

Identity

John Bell Hood (June 1 or 29, 1831 – August 30, 1879) was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War. Known for his aggressive leadership and battlefield tenacity, his career was marked by both significant tactical successes and devastating strategic failures.

Origins

Born in Owingsville, Kentucky, Hood's early life and education at the United States Military Academy at West Point shaped his military career. He served in the antebellum U.S. Army in California and Texas before aligning with the Confederacy at the war's outset.

Reputation

Hood earned a reputation for leading his troops with exceptional bravery and often personally into the fray. His Texans became known as one of the army's elite combat units, a testament to his command style, though his aggressive nature sometimes led to heavy casualties.

Formative Years

West Point Education

Hood graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1853, ranking 44th in his class. His instructors included future Union generals George Henry Thomas and James B. McPherson. Despite a modest academic record, he was later offered a position as chief instructor of cavalry, which he declined.

Antebellum Service

Commissioned as a brevet second lieutenant, Hood served in the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry and later the 2nd Cavalry in Texas. During this period, he sustained his first significant wound from a Comanche arrow during a reconnaissance patrol in 1857.

Early Command

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Hood resigned his U.S. Army commission and offered his services to Texas. He began his Confederate service as a cavalry captain, quickly rising through the ranks and demonstrating early leadership qualities.

The Crucible of War

Brigade Command

Hood gained significant recognition commanding the Texas Brigade in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia during the Peninsula Campaign. His aggressive charges, particularly at the Battle of Gaines's Mill, established his reputation as a formidable combat leader, though often at a high cost in casualties.

Wounds and Resilience

Hood's career was punctuated by severe wounds. At the Battle of Gettysburg, he suffered a debilitating arm injury that rendered his left arm largely useless. Later, at the Battle of Chickamauga, he sustained a compound fracture of the femur, necessitating the amputation of his right leg.

Rise to Army Command

Despite his injuries, Hood returned to active service. Following the fall of Atlanta in 1864, he was promoted to temporary full general and given command of the Army of Tennessee at just 33 years old, becoming the youngest army commander on either side of the conflict.

Gettysburg: A Turning Point

The Assault on the Left

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Hood's division was assigned to Longstreet's corps for an assault on the Union left flank. Dissatisfied with the terrain and orders, Hood requested a flanking maneuver, but his proposal was denied. The attack, when launched, veered east, leading to engagements around Devil's Den and Little Round Top.

Hood's division's advance was hampered by terrain and confusion. During the fierce fighting, Hood himself was severely wounded by an artillery shell, incapacitating him for the remainder of the battle. His subordinate, Evander M. Law, assumed command of the division.

Historians note that Hood's aggressive spirit was evident, but the execution of the plan was complicated by factors beyond his direct control, contributing to the Confederate defeat on the second day.

Lee's Confidence

Prior to the Gettysburg Campaign, General Robert E. Lee expressed confidence in his army's potential, writing to Hood: "I agree with you in believing that our army would be invincible if it could be properly organized and officered. There never were such men in an army before. They will go anywhere and do anything if properly led."

Chickamauga: A Costly Victory

Western Theater Transfer

Following Gettysburg, Hood was transferred with Longstreet's troops to the Western Theater. He rejoined his men near Chickamauga Creek, where he was tasked with forming a temporary corps. His actions contributed to the Confederate victory over the Union Army of the Cumberland.

Critical Injury

During the climactic assault at Chickamauga, Hood led a charge that exploited a gap in the Union line. However, he was again severely wounded, suffering a fracture to his right femur that required amputation below the hip. This injury profoundly impacted his mobility for the rest of his life.

The severity of the Chickamauga wound led to the amputation of Hood's leg. His soldiers affectionately, and perhaps grimly, referred to him as "Old Pegleg" after this event. Despite this, he was promoted to lieutenant general, effective September 20, 1863.

The Atlanta Campaign

Command Under Pressure

During the Atlanta Campaign in 1864, Hood replaced the cautious Joseph E. Johnston as commander of the Army of Tennessee. Despite his physical challenges, he rode extensively, supported by crutches, demonstrating his commitment to leading his troops.

Aggressive Tactics

Hood pursued a strategy of aggressive, often frontal assaults against William T. Sherman's Union forces. These attacks, while demonstrating great bravery, resulted in heavy Confederate casualties and failed to break Sherman's siege of Atlanta.

Hood launched four major offensives during the campaign, including battles at Peachtree Creek, the Battle of Atlanta (where he regretted the loss of Union Major General James McPherson), and Ezra Church. Despite fierce fighting, these actions ultimately led to the evacuation and burning of Atlanta on September 1, 1864.

Criticism of Johnston

Hood was critical of Johnston's defensive strategy, communicating his dissatisfaction to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. His candid, and some historians argue subversive, letters contributed to Johnston's removal from command.

The Franklin-Nashville Campaign

Strategic Ambitions

Following Atlanta's fall, Hood devised a plan to move north into Tennessee, aiming to disrupt Sherman's supply lines and potentially threaten Union territory. The goal was to force Sherman to abandon his march south or engage in a decisive battle on Confederate terms.

Battles of Franklin and Nashville

The campaign culminated in two major engagements: the Battle of Franklin and the Battle of Nashville. At Franklin, Hood ordered a massive frontal assault against entrenched Union positions, resulting in catastrophic Confederate losses, sometimes compared to Pickett's Charge.

The subsequent Battle of Nashville saw the complete rout of Hood's depleted army by Union forces under Major General George Henry Thomas. The campaign effectively destroyed the Army of Tennessee as an effective fighting force, costing the Confederacy dearly.

Historian Bruce Catton noted that replacing Johnston with Hood was "probably the single largest mistake that either government made during the war."

White Supremacy

In a letter to General Sherman, Hood articulated his belief in racial hierarchy, stating: "You make negroes your allies, and desire to place over us an inferior race..." This reflects the deeply ingrained racial ideology prevalent in the Confederacy.

Life After the War

Business and Family

After surrendering in May 1865, Hood moved to Louisiana. He entered the cotton brokerage and insurance businesses. In 1868, he married Anna Marie Hennen, with whom he had eleven children in ten years, including three sets of twins.

Memoir and Justification

During his postbellum years, Hood began writing his memoir, Advance and Retreat. This work aimed to justify his wartime decisions and counter criticisms, particularly from figures like Joseph E. Johnston and William T. Sherman.

Tragic End

Hood's business collapsed during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878-1879. Tragically, he succumbed to the disease in New Orleans on August 30, 1879, just days after his wife and eldest daughter also died, leaving ten orphaned children.

Enduring Legacy

Final Resting Place

John Bell Hood is interred in the Hennen family tomb at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana. His final resting place serves as a somber reminder of his life and the era in which he lived.

Memorials and Renaming

Hood County, Texas, is named in his honor. However, Fort Hood, a significant U.S. Army installation, was renamed in May 2023 as part of a broader initiative to remove names honoring Confederate figures from military bases.

Literary and Cultural Impact

Hood's military career, particularly his aggressive style and tragic end, has been immortalized in literature and film. Poet Stephen Vincent Benét described him as "All lion, none of the fox," while soldiers' memoirs often reflect on his leadership and the heavy cost of his campaigns.

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References

Eicher, p. 302; Warner, p. 142; Handbook of Texas Online.

Eicher, p. 302; Handbook of Texas Online.

McMurry, pp. 111â112; Robins, Glenn (2006), The Bishop of the Old South: The Ministry And Civil War Legacy of Leonidas Polk, pp. 188â181.

Fort Hood post history website

Inscription on memorial stone

A full list of references for this article are available at the John Bell Hood Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional military or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting primary sources or seeking expert historical analysis. Always refer to the original sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific historical research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Hood's Gambit

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John Bell Hood: An Overview ℹ️

👤 Identity

📍 Origins

🏆 Reputation

Formative Years 🎓

🏫 West Point Education

🤠 Antebellum Service

🤝 Early Command

The Crucible of War ⚔️

🔥 Brigade Command

🤕 Wounds and Resilience

⭐ Rise to Army Command

Gettysburg: A Turning Point 📍

⛰️ The Assault on the Left

💬 Lee's Confidence

Chickamauga: A Costly Victory 💥

🐎 Western Theater Transfer

🤕 Critical Injury

The Atlanta Campaign 🔥

🤔 Command Under Pressure

🚀 Aggressive Tactics

🗣️ Criticism of Johnston

The Franklin-Nashville Campaign 📉

🗺️ Strategic Ambitions

⚔️ Battles of Franklin and Nashville

🗣️ White Supremacy

Life After the War 🏛️

💼 Business and Family

✍️ Memoir and Justification

🎗️ Tragic End

Enduring Legacy 🏆

🪦 Final Resting Place

🏞️ Memorials and Renaming

📜 Literary and Cultural Impact

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

John Bell Hood: An Overview

Identity

Origins

Reputation

Formative Years

West Point Education

Antebellum Service

Early Command

The Crucible of War

Brigade Command

Wounds and Resilience

Rise to Army Command

Gettysburg: A Turning Point

The Assault on the Left

Lee's Confidence

Chickamauga: A Costly Victory

Western Theater Transfer

Critical Injury

The Atlanta Campaign

Command Under Pressure

Aggressive Tactics

Criticism of Johnston

The Franklin-Nashville Campaign

Strategic Ambitions

Battles of Franklin and Nashville

White Supremacy

Life After the War

Business and Family

Memoir and Justification

Tragic End

Enduring Legacy

Final Resting Place

Memorials and Renaming

Literary and Cultural Impact

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice