Hampton, Wade (1818-1902)

US politician and Confederate military leader. During the American Civil War 1861-65, he was appointed brigadier general in the cavalry 1862 and commander of the entire Confederate cavalry corps 1864. After the end of the war 1865 he returned to South Carolina, serving as governor 1876-79 and US senator 1879-91.

Hampton administered his family's plantation in Charleston, South Carolina, and served in the state legislature. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he raised and led a regiment of Confederate volunteers, ‘Hampton's Legion’. He was prominent at the Battle of Gettysburg, in the Shenandoah Valley, and in command of J E Johnston's cavalry. Despite having no military training, he was made second in command of the Confederate army.

Hampton, Wade (1751-1835)

US soldier and politician. He fought in the American Revolution and afterwards served two terms in Congress. Reentering the army in 1808, Hampton received a share of blame for the failed US expedition to Montréal (1813) during the War of 1812. At one time he was said to be the wealthiest plantation owner in the USA. He was born in Halifax County, Virginia.