Site of Law Office, General John Gregg
Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1854-61, Fairfield civic and political leader. Helped found first newspaper here. Served as district judge. A key member of Texas Secession Convention. 1861 Confederate congressman. Organized the Texas Infantry. As brigadier general, led troops near Vicksburg; at Chickamauga. Commanded Texas Brigade, Battle of the Wilderness. Was killed near Richmond, Oct. 7, 1864. Gregg County is named in his honor. His widow went in person by wagon, through battle lines, to Virginia to get his body. Later she was among ladies whose efforts began U. S. Memorial Day.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Fairfield lawyer, judge, and newspaper founder, John Gregg helped lead Texas out of the Union at the 1861 Secession Convention and served in the Confederate Congress before raising a Texas infantry regiment. As a general he fought near Vicksburg and at Chickamauga and commanded the famed Texas Brigade at the Battle of the Wilderness, until he was killed near Richmond in October 1864. His widow braved the battle lines by wagon to bring his body home.
Why it matters
Gregg's life traces the arc of the Confederate cause in Texas, and the postwar mourning of women like his widow helped give rise to the American tradition of Memorial Day.
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Related people
- · John Gregg
Related events
- · Battle of Chickamauga
- · Battle of the Wilderness
- · Siege of Vicksburg
Themes & tags
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