Biographical Essay on Pierre G.T. Beauregard
Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was born in Louisiana on May 28, 1818. He was raised on a sugarcane plantation in New Orleans (“P. G. T. Beauregard Kids Encyclopedia.”). He also received schooling in New York City throughout his youth. Then in 1834, Beauregard was appointed to the United States military Academy at West Point (History.com Staff. “P.G.T. Beauregard.”). While at West Point he became a very popular cadet, thus earning him a few nicknames. Some including “Little Napoleon” and “Little Creole.”He finished second in his class and graduated in 1838. Shortly after he married Marie Antoinette Laure Villere and they had three children, Henri, Rene, and Laure. Marie died while giving birth…show more content… He was placed in command of the defenses in Charleston, South Carolina (History.com Staff. “P.G.T. Beauregard.”). During his time as first brigadier general he ordered the very first shots of the civil war during the battle of Fort Sumter in April 1861 (History.com Staff. “P.G.T. Beauregard.”). He then went on to serve as second-in-command to General Joseph E. Johnston during the first Battle of Bull Run in July 1861where they gained another victory. Shortly after he was promoted to full General. As full General he became very involved with the Confederate Administration and the concerns over field tactics. His next job was serving under General Albert Sidney Johnston. In April 1862 when General Johnston was killed at the Battle of Shiloh, Pierre took command of Confederate forces. He made some highly controversial decisions during the Battle of Shiloh (History.com Staff. “P.G.T. Beauregard.”). He was eventually relieved from duty and placed in command of coastal defenses in South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia from 1863 to 1864. He also led the North Carolina and Southern Virginia departments for a short time during the Second Battle of Petersburg in June 1864 (History.com Staff. “P.G.T.
