Who was Patrick Ronayne Cleburne and what was his primary role during the American Civil War?

Patrick Ronayne Cleburne was a Major-General in the Confederate States Army. He commanded infantry units in the Western Theater of the American Civil War and was known for his leadership and battlefield prowess.

Where was Patrick Cleburne born, and what was his ethnic background?

Patrick Cleburne was born in Ovens, County Cork, Ireland. He was of Protestant Anglo-Irish ancestry, meaning his family had English or Scottish roots but had settled in Ireland and adopted its culture.

What was Cleburne's early life like, including his education and initial military service?

Cleburne's father was a physician, and Patrick followed him into medicine. However, he failed his entrance exam for Trinity College of Medicine in Dublin in 1846. Following this setback, he enlisted in the British Army's 41st Regiment of Foot, where he eventually rose to the rank of corporal. He served at Fort Westmorland on Spike Island, a convict depot, and witnessed the harsh conditions during the Great Irish Famine, which influenced his decision to emigrate.

What prompted Cleburne to emigrate from Ireland to the United States?

After serving in the British Army and witnessing the difficult conditions during the Great Irish Famine, Cleburne decided to emigrate. He purchased his discharge and moved to the United States with his siblings, seeking new opportunities.

Where did Patrick Cleburne settle in the United States, and what was his initial profession?

After a brief stay in Ohio, Patrick Cleburne settled in Helena, Arkansas. There, he worked as a pharmacist and quickly became integrated into the local community.

Describe Cleburne's involvement in the street fight in Helena, Arkansas.

In 1856, Cleburne and his friend Thomas C. Hindman were involved in a street fight with members of the Know-Nothing Party following a debate. Cleburne was shot in the back, but managed to turn and kill one of his attackers. Both Cleburne and Hindman recovered and were later exonerated by a grand jury.

What was Cleburne's stance on slavery and his reason for joining the Confederacy?

Cleburne claimed not to care about slavery itself. His decision to side with the Southern states during the secession crisis was primarily driven by his affection for the Southern people who had adopted him and his belief in states' rights, rather than a defense of the institution of slavery.

How did Cleburne progress through the ranks in the Confederate Army?

Cleburne began his Confederate service as a private soldier in the Yell Rifles militia company. He was soon elected captain and led the company in seizing the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock. His military acumen led to promotions, first to brigadier general in March 1862, and later to major general in December 1862.

What were some of the significant battles Patrick Cleburne participated in during the American Civil War?

Cleburne participated in numerous key battles, including the Battle of Shiloh, the Battle of Stones River, the Battle of Richmond (Kentucky), the Battle of Perryville, the Battle of Chickamauga, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, the Battle of Ringgold Gap, the Chattanooga Campaign, the Atlanta Campaign, and the Battle of Franklin.

What earned Patrick Cleburne the nickname "Stonewall of the West"?

Cleburne earned the nickname "Stonewall of the West" due to his strategic use of terrain, his ability to hold defensive positions against superior enemy forces, and his talent for thwarting enemy movements. His troops were known for their resilience and effectiveness on the battlefield.

How did Federal troops view Cleburne and his division?

Federal troops reportedly dreaded seeing the blue flag of Cleburne's Division on the battlefield, indicating a significant level of fear and respect for his unit's capabilities.

What was Robert E. Lee's assessment of Patrick Cleburne?

General Robert E. Lee referred to Patrick Cleburne as 'a meteor shining from a clouded sky,' suggesting he was a brilliant but perhaps rare talent emerging during difficult times for the Confederacy.

What critical proposal did Cleburne make in 1864 regarding the Confederacy's manpower issues?

In 1864, Cleburne proposed that the Confederacy should emancipate enslaved people and then enlist them into the Confederate Army. He believed this would significantly bolster their dwindling manpower and gain the sympathy of the Black population.

Did Cleburne's proposal suggest equality for Black people?

No, Cleburne explicitly argued that emancipation did not necessarily require Black equality. He suggested that 'necessity and wise legislation' would ensure that the social relations between Black and white people would not fundamentally change.

How was Cleburne's emancipation proposal received by Confederate leadership?

The proposal was met with silence at the meeting where it was presented. While word of it spread, it was not officially recognized or acted upon by the Confederate leadership. Some, like General William H. T. Walker, vehemently opposed it.

How did General William H. T. Walker react to Cleburne's proposal, and what impact did it have on Cleburne's career?

General Walker attacked Cleburne's proposal as an 'abolitionist conspiracy.' Walker's opposition, fueled by his support for slavery and potential rivalry with Cleburne, led him to persuade the Army of Tennessee commander, Braxton Bragg, that Cleburne was politically unreliable. This contributed to Cleburne being overlooked for promotion to corps commander three times.

What was Cleburne's personal life like before his death?

Prior to the 1864 campaigning season, Patrick Cleburne became engaged to Susan Tarleton of Mobile, Alabama. However, their marriage never occurred as he was killed in battle later that year.

In which battle and under what circumstances was Patrick Cleburne killed?

Patrick Cleburne was killed on November 30, 1864, during the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee. He died leading his men in an assault on Union fortifications, an action he had reportedly opposed. He was last seen advancing on foot with his sword raised after his horse was shot out from under him.

What were the reported causes of Cleburne's death and the condition of his body afterward?

Confederate war records suggest Cleburne died from a bullet wound to the abdomen, though some accounts mention a possible heart wound. After his death, his body was found within the Union lines and had been stripped of valuables, including his sword, boots, and pocket watch.

Describe the final resting places of Patrick Cleburne's remains.

Cleburne's remains were initially buried in Columbia, Tennessee. They were later moved to St. John's Episcopal Church near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, a place he admired for its beauty resembling his Irish homeland. Finally, in 1870, he was disinterred and returned to his adopted hometown of Helena, Arkansas, where he was buried in the Confederate section of Maple Hill Cemetery.

What tribute did General William J. Hardee offer regarding Cleburne's division?

General William J. Hardee, Cleburne's former corps commander, stated that where Cleburne's division defended, 'no odds broke its line,' and where it attacked, 'no numbers resisted its onslaught, save only once,' referring to the place where Cleburne fell.

What geographic locations and features are named in honor of Patrick Cleburne?

Several places are named after Patrick Cleburne, including Cleburne County in Alabama and Arkansas, and the city of Cleburne, Texas. Additionally, a park in Franklin, Tennessee, known as Cleburne Park, commemorates the battle site, though its monument primarily marks the location of the Carter Family Cotton Gin.

What is the significance of the Patrick R. Cleburne Confederate Cemetery?

The Patrick R. Cleburne Confederate Cemetery, located in Jonesboro, Georgia, is a memorial cemetery named in honor of General Patrick Cleburne.

What did author Shelby Foote consider Cleburne's greatest contribution or characteristic?

In a 1994 interview, Shelby Foote described Cleburne as potentially the best division commander on either side during the Civil War. He noted Cleburne's nickname, 'Stonewall of the West,' and his popularity among his men, lamenting that Cleburne is largely forgotten today.

What was Cleburne's rank at the time of his death?

Patrick Cleburne held the rank of Major-General in the Confederate States Army at the time of his death.

What was Cleburne's nickname, and how did it reflect his military reputation?

Cleburne's nickname was "Stonewall of the West." This moniker highlighted his reputation for steadfastness, defensive strength, and ability to hold his ground against overwhelming odds, similar to the reputation of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson in the Eastern Theater.

When did Patrick Cleburne serve in the British Army, and what was his rank?

Patrick Cleburne served in the British Army from 1846 to 1849, achieving the rank of Corporal in the 41st Regiment of Foot.

What business partnership did Cleburne form in Helena, Arkansas?

In Helena, Arkansas, Cleburne formed a business partnership with his friend Thomas C. Hindman and William Weatherly to purchase and operate a newspaper called the 'Democratic Star'.

What was the outcome of the seizure of the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock by Cleburne's militia company?

Cleburne's militia company, the Yell Rifles, successfully seized the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock in January 1861. This action was part of the broader movement of Southern states taking control of federal property following secession.

How was Cleburne wounded at the Battle of Richmond (Kentucky)?

At the Battle of Richmond in Kentucky, Cleburne was wounded in the face when a minie ball struck his left cheek, shattered several teeth, and exited through his mouth. Despite the severe injury, he recovered and returned to service.

What official recognition did Cleburne and his troops receive from the Confederate Congress?

Cleburne and his troops received an official 'Thanks' from the Confederate Congress for their actions during the 1863 campaigns in Tennessee and Georgia, specifically for their resistance during the Battle of Missionary Ridge and their defense at the Battle of Ringgold Gap.

What historical examples did Cleburne cite in his proposal to enlist Black soldiers?

Cleburne cited the historical examples of the helots of Sparta, the galley slaves at the Battle of Lepanto who fought for their freedom, and the successful revolts of enslaved people in Haiti and Jamaica to support his argument that Black men would fight bravely if offered freedom.

What was the significance of the Carter House and the Carter Family Cotton Gin in relation to Cleburne's death?

The Battle of Franklin, where Cleburne was killed, took place near the Carter House, which served as Union Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox's headquarters. The Carter Family Cotton Gin was also an integral part of the battle, and the monument in Cleburne Park in Franklin primarily marks the location of this gin, not Cleburne himself.

What is the "Stonewall of the West" nickname referring to?

The nickname "Stonewall of the West" was given to Patrick Cleburne because of his exceptional defensive capabilities and his ability to hold critical positions against Union advances, much like General Stonewall Jackson in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War.

What was Cleburne's role in the Battle of Stones River?

During the Battle of Stones River, Cleburne's division played a significant role by advancing three miles, routing the Union right wing, and pushing them back to their final defensive line along the Nashville Pike.

What was Cleburne's opinion on the primary motivations of the Confederacy's enemies?

Cleburne believed that the Confederacy's enemies were not solely fighting for abolition. He argued that their true aims were to establish sectional superiority, create a more centralized government, and deprive the Southern states of their rights and liberties.

What is the "Confederate Heartland Offensive"?

The Confederate Heartland Offensive, also known as the Kentucky Campaign, was a Confederate military operation in late 1862 aimed at regaining control of Kentucky. Cleburne's forces participated in this campaign.

What is the "Western Theater of the American Civil War"?

The Western Theater of the American Civil War refers to the military campaigns that took place primarily west of the Appalachian Mountains, encompassing areas like Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Mississippi River. Patrick Cleburne was a prominent commander in this theater.

What was the "Know-Nothing Party"?

The Know-Nothing Party was a political movement in the United States during the 1850s known for its nativism and anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic sentiments. Cleburne's confrontation with members of this party in Helena, Arkansas, highlights the social tensions of the era.

What does the term "helots" refer to, as mentioned in Cleburne's proposal?

Helots were a subjugated population in ancient Sparta, essentially serfs or state-owned slaves, who were often used in military service. Cleburne referenced them to draw a parallel to the potential fighting capability of enslaved people if granted freedom.

What was the "Battle of Lepanto" mentioned by Cleburne?

The Battle of Lepanto, fought in 1571, was a major naval engagement in which the fleet of the Holy League, a coalition of Catholic maritime states, decisively defeated the fleet of the Ottoman Empire. Cleburne cited it as an example where enslaved people (galley slaves) fought effectively after being promised freedom.

What is the significance of the "41st Regiment of Foot" in Cleburne's life?

The 41st Regiment of Foot was the unit Patrick Cleburne enlisted in after failing his medical school entrance exam. His service in this British Army regiment marked his first military experience and lasted from 1846 to 1849.

What does the term "minie ball" refer to?

A minie ball was a type of rifled muzzle-loading projectile used extensively during the American Civil War. It was designed to expand upon firing, creating a better seal in the barrel and improving accuracy and range compared to older smoothbore musket balls.

What was the "Army of Tennessee"?

The Army of Tennessee was one of the principal Confederate armies during the American Civil War. It operated primarily in the Western Theater and was commanded by various generals throughout the conflict, including Braxton Bragg and Joseph E. Johnston.

What is the "Confederate Congress"?

The Confederate Congress was the legislature of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. It was responsible for creating laws and authorizing actions for the Confederacy.

What does the "Battle of Ringgold Gap" signify in Cleburne's career?

The Battle of Ringgold Gap was a crucial engagement where Cleburne's troops successfully defended the retreating Army of Tennessee against a much larger Union force. This action earned Cleburne and his men official commendation from the Confederate Congress.

What is the "Battle of Missionary Ridge"?

The Battle of Missionary Ridge, fought in November 1863, was a major engagement of the Chattanooga Campaign. Cleburne's division played a role in resisting Union forces under Joseph Hooker on the northern end of the ridge.

What is the "Battle of Shiloh"?

The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862, was one of the bloodiest battles in the early stages of the Civil War. Patrick Cleburne participated in this battle, leading a brigade on the Confederate left flank.

What was the "Chattanooga Campaign"?

The Chattanooga Campaign was a series of battles in the fall of 1863 where Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant captured Chattanooga, Tennessee, a vital railroad hub. Cleburne's forces were involved in engagements during this campaign, including the Battle of Missionary Ridge and the Battle of Ringgold Gap.

Patrick Cleburne Wiki: The Unyielding Stand: Patrick Cleburne's Civil War Legacy

Early Life and Emigration

Irish Origins

Patrick Ronayne Cleburne was born in Ovens, County Cork, Ireland, on March 16, 1828. He hailed from a middle-class Anglo-Irish Protestant family. Orphaned at fifteen, he pursued the study of medicine but faced a significant setback when he failed his entrance examination for Trinity College of Medicine in Dublin in 1846.

British Army Service

Following his academic disappointment, Cleburne enlisted in the 41st Regiment of Foot of the British Army. He served at Fort Westmorland on Spike Island in Cork Harbour. Witnessing the dire conditions of prisoners during the Great Irish Famine profoundly influenced his decision to emigrate.

Settling in America

Three years after joining the British Army, Cleburne purchased his discharge and emigrated to the United States with his siblings. After a brief period in Ohio, he settled in Helena, Arkansas. There, he established himself as a pharmacist and was readily integrated into the local community. He also formed a close friendship and business partnership with Thomas C. Hindman.

Pre-War Professional Life

By 1860, Cleburne had become a naturalized U.S. citizen and established a successful legal practice. He was well-regarded by the residents of Helena. His early life was marked by resilience, adapting to personal loss and seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Path to Confederate Service

Allegiance to the South

As the nation approached civil war, Cleburne aligned himself with the Southern states. His decision was rooted not in a defense of slavery, which he reportedly did not prioritize, but in a deep affection for the Southern people who had adopted him. This loyalty would place him on a path of significant military engagement.

Early Military Roles

Cleburne joined the local militia company, the Yell Rifles, as a private. His leadership qualities quickly became apparent, and he was elected captain. He led his company in the seizure of the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock in January 1861. Following Arkansas' secession, his unit became part of the 1st Arkansas Infantry, later designated the 15th Arkansas.

Rise Through the Ranks

Cleburne's military career advanced steadily. He was promoted to Brigadier General on March 4, 1862, and later to Major General on December 13, 1863. He served primarily in the Western Theater, commanding infantry divisions and earning a reputation for effectiveness and bravery on numerous battlefields.

The American Civil War

Western Theater Operations

Cleburne participated in pivotal campaigns and battles across the Western Theater. His service included engagements such as the Battle of Shiloh, the Siege of Corinth, and the Confederate Heartland Offensive. He demonstrated strategic capability and tactical prowess, often leading critical assaults and defensive stands.

"Stonewall of the West"

His exceptional performance in holding ground against superior forces, particularly at the Battle of Stones River and the Battle of Ringgold Gap, earned him the esteemed nickname "Stonewall of the West." This moniker reflected his steadfastness and ability to withstand enemy assaults, drawing parallels to the legendary Confederate General Stonewall Jackson.

Key Engagements

A Record of Service

Major General Cleburne's military career was marked by consistent participation in major campaigns. His leadership was tested in numerous engagements, contributing significantly to the Confederate war effort in the West.

The following table outlines some of the significant battles in which Patrick Cleburne played a notable role:

Battle	Date	Outcome/Notes
Battle of Shiloh	April 6–7, 1862	Participated with his brigade on the Confederate left flank.
Battle of Richmond	August 29–30, 1862	Wounded in the face, but recovered to rejoin the army.
Battle of Stones River	December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863	Led his division in a significant advance, routing the Union right wing. Promoted to Major General.
Battle of Chickamauga	September 19–20, 1863	Fought in this major Confederate victory.
Battle of Missionary Ridge	November 25, 1863	Resisted a larger Union force under Maj. Gen. Sherman.
Battle of Ringgold Gap	November 27, 1863	His troops protected the Army of Tennessee's retreat, earning thanks from the Confederate Congress.
Battle of Franklin	November 30, 1864	Killed while leading an assault on Union fortifications.

A Controversial Proposal

Foresight and Desperation

By late 1863, Cleburne recognized the Confederacy's dwindling resources and manpower. In a bold move, he proposed emancipating enslaved people to enlist them as soldiers in the Confederate Army, arguing it was a strategic necessity for securing Southern independence.

Cleburne's proposal, outlined in a letter to his superiors, suggested that freeing slaves who served the Confederacy would transform a perceived weakness into a strength. He cited historical examples, such as the helots of Sparta and galley slaves at the Battle of Lepanto, to argue that enslaved people could be motivated to fight bravely for their freedom.

He contended that the war was not solely about slavery but about Southern rights and liberties, and that emancipation did not necessarily imply racial equality. His argument was pragmatic: "Necessity and wise legislation" could manage post-emancipation relations.

Satisfy the negro that if he faithfully adheres to our standard during the war he shall receive his freedom and that of his race ... and we change the race from a dreaded weakness to a position of strength.

Will the slaves fight? The helots of Sparta stood their masters good stead in battle... It is said that slavery is all we are fighting for, and if we give it up we give up all. Even if this were true, which we deny, slavery is not all our enemies are fighting for. It is merely the pretense to establish sectional superiority and a more centralized form of government, and to deprive us of our rights and liberties.

Reception and Consequences

This radical proposal was met with considerable resistance and silence within the Confederate leadership. General William H. T. Walker, a proponent of slavery and a rival, vehemently attacked Cleburne's idea as an "abolitionist conspiracy." Consequently, Cleburne was passed over for promotion multiple times, remaining a division commander despite his recognized abilities.

Final Stand and Demise

The Battle of Franklin

Prior to the 1864 campaign, Cleburne became engaged to Susan Tarleton of Mobile, Alabama. Tragically, their marriage never materialized. Cleburne met his end on November 30, 1864, during the Battle of Franklin, south of Nashville, Tennessee. He was killed while leading a charge against entrenched Union fortifications, an assault he had reportedly opposed.

A Hero's End

Accounts describe Cleburne advancing on foot, sword raised, after his horse was shot from under him. He was found within the Union lines, his body later recovered and initially interred in Columbia, Tennessee. His remains were eventually moved to St. John's Episcopal Church near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, before being returned to his adopted hometown of Helena, Arkansas, in 1870 for final burial in the Confederate section of Maple Hill Cemetery.

Enduring Legacy

Revered and Remembered

General William J. Hardee lamented Cleburne's loss, stating, "Where this division defended, no odds broke its line; where it attacked, no numbers resisted its onslaught, save only once; and there is the grave of Cleburne." General Robert E. Lee referred to him as "a meteor shining from a clouded sky," acknowledging his brilliance amidst the Confederacy's struggles.

Honored in Geography

Cleburne's impact is memorialized in several geographic locations. Cleburne County in both Alabama and Arkansas, and the city of Cleburne, Texas, bear his name. The site of his final battle in Franklin, Tennessee, is now Cleburne Park, though the monument there primarily marks the location of the Carter Family Cotton Gin.

Historical Perspective

Author Shelby Foote, in a C-SPAN interview, identified Cleburne as potentially the best division commander on either side of the Civil War, lamenting that he is "largely forgotten today." Foote's high regard underscores Cleburne's significant, though perhaps underappreciated, contributions and his unique place in military history.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Patrick Cleburne" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about patrick_cleburne while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

2016–17 nba season

basilica of sant ambrogio

mona lisa nat king cole song

musicians village

geology

psychoanalytic theory

bootleggers 1969 film

louis armstrong new orleans international airport

bicycle boulevard

overmountain men

References

Official Records, Series I, vol. 52, Part 2, pp. 586â92.

TL Connelly. (2001) Autumn of Glory: The Army of Tennessee, 1862â1865 Pages 319â320.

Georgia Building Authority (1997). Patrick R. Cleburne Confederate Cemetery. Galileo. Retrieved September 1, 2010.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Patrick Cleburne Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

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 historical or military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research or consultation with historians. Always refer to primary sources and academic analyses for a comprehensive understanding of historical events and figures.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Patrick Cleburne

Early Life and Emigration 🌍

🇮🇪 Irish Origins

🇬🇧 British Army Service

🇺🇸 Settling in America

⚖️ Pre-War Professional Life

Path to Confederate Service ⚔️

🇺🇸 Allegiance to the South

🎖️ Early Military Roles

📈 Rise Through the Ranks

The American Civil War 🔥

🗺️ Western Theater Operations

🌟 "Stonewall of the West"

Key Engagements 📍

📜 A Record of Service

A Controversial Proposal 💡

🤔 Foresight and Desperation

🚫 Reception and Consequences

Final Stand and Demise ⚰️

💔 The Battle of Franklin

🕊️ A Hero's End

Enduring Legacy 🌟

🗣️ Revered and Remembered

📍 Honored in Geography

📚 Historical Perspective

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Early Life and Emigration

Irish Origins

British Army Service

Settling in America

Pre-War Professional Life

Path to Confederate Service

Allegiance to the South

Early Military Roles

Rise Through the Ranks

The American Civil War

Western Theater Operations

"Stonewall of the West"

Key Engagements

A Record of Service

A Controversial Proposal

Foresight and Desperation

Reception and Consequences

Final Stand and Demise

The Battle of Franklin

A Hero's End

Enduring Legacy

Revered and Remembered

Honored in Geography

Historical Perspective

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice