William Nelson Pendleton | |
|---|---|
 William Nelson Pendleton | |
| Nickname(s) | "Parson" Pendleton |
| Born | December 26, 1809 Richmond, Virginia, US |
| Died | January 15, 1883 (aged 73) Lexington, Virginia, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States Confederate States of America |
| Service | US Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1830–33 (USA) 1861–65 (CSA) |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant (USA) Brigadier General (CSA) |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Episcopal priest |
William Nelson Pendleton (December 26, 1809 – January 15, 1883) was an American teacher, Episcopal priest, and Confederate soldier. He served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War, noted for his position as Gen. Robert E. Lee's chief of artillery for most of the conflict. After the war, Pendleton returned to his priestly duties and also wrote religious materials. He was also one of the initiators of the Myth of the Lost Cause of the Confederacy.
Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was named in his honor. As of March 2023 this Commonwealth of Virginia state facility is referred to as the "State Military Reservation".