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Lewis Addison Armistead was born at New Bern, N. C.,
February 18, 1817
A son of General Walker Keith Armistead -
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Because his family had a strong military tradition, Lewis entered West Point as a cadet in 1834, but was dismissed in 1836, allegedly for breaking a mess-hall plate over the head of future comrade.
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Armistead was appointed to the regular army in 1839 and fought under his father during the Seminole Wars in Florida, where he was promoted to first lieutenant.
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At the outbreak of the Civil War, Armistead chose to follow his state out of the Union and resigned his commission in the U.S. Army. He was then commissioned colonel of the 57th Virginia Infantry.
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Armistead was made a brigadier general in Pickett’s division and led a gallant charge at Battle of Malvern Hill.
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He led his brigade during the famous Confederate victory at The Battle of Fredericksburg.
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He led his brigade during the famous Confederate victory at The Battle of Chancellorsville.
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It is for the Battle of Gettysburg, however, that Armistead is most famously remembered. On the third day of the battle, Armistead led his brigade during Pickett’s Charge, fixing his hat on the point of sword and reputedly urging his men to “remember what you are fighting for – your homes, your friends, your sweethearts!” He and a handful of Virginians and Tennesseans under his command succeeded in crossing the stone wall where, in the words of James McPherson, “Armistead was mortally wounded
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After arriving to the hospital, Armistead died two days later on July 5.
I believe Armistead was effective in the battle, He was extremely dedicated and led many men into the battles to fight for their cause. He is well known for fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg, because he died fighting there.