Pickett, George Edward (1825–1875)

US military leader. At the outbreak of the American Civil War 1861, he joined the Confederate army, rising to the rank of brigadier general 1862. Although he saw action in many battles, he is best remembered for leading the bloody, doomed ‘Pickett's Charge’ at Gettysburg 1863.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Pickett graduated from West Point military academy 1846 and was commended for bravery during the Mexican War 1846–48. After service in Texas 1849–55, he was transferred to the Pacific Northwest. After the end of the Civil War 1865 Pickett declined further military appointments and retired to private life.