Confederate Military History of Alabama by Joseph Wheeler

Confederate Military History of Alabama by Joseph Wheeler

Joseph Wheeler

1836-1906

Joseph Wheeler was born in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1859 and continued his education at the army cavalry school at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Although he was initially commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, Wheeler resigned to join the Confederate Army on April 3, 1861. Rising through the ranks, he earned the nickname "Fighting Joe" for his courage and leadership on the battlefield, eventually attaining the rank of lieutenant general by February 1865. Wheeler's military prowess was demonstrated in over 800 skirmishes and 200 battles during the Civil War. Following the war, he transitioned into business, becoming a partner in a New Orleans hardware and carriage firm before relocating to Alabama, where he pursued law and entered into a legal partnership with his brother-in-law. Wheeler's commitment to public service extended to the U.S. Congress, where he served from 1882 to 1898. During the Spanish-American War, he volunteered and was appointed major general, playing significant roles in key battles and negotiations. Wheeler's military career concluded with his retirement on September 10, 1900. He passed away in 1906 and was one of the few Confederate veterans to be buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Alabama Authors of the 19th & 20th Centuries, edited by Beverley Park Rilett, http://alabamaauthors.org

1899

Confederate Military History of Alabama. Atlanta, GA; Confederate Pub Co, 1899.

AL Book Collection

Wheeler, Joseph, “Confederate Military History of Alabama by Joseph Wheeler,” Alabama Authors of the 19th & 20th Centuries, accessed November 8, 2026, https://www.alabamaauthors.org/items/show/24655.