Braxton Bragg (1817–1876) was a senior officer of the
Confederate States Army. Born in
Warrenton, North Carolina, Bragg was educated at
West Point and became an artillery officer. He served in Florida, the
Mexican–American War, and the
Indian Territory before resigning. After some time as a sugar
plantation slave owner in Louisiana, Bragg sided with the
Confederate States of America and joined its army. During the course of the
American Civil War, he trained troops, attempted an invasion of Kentucky and fought a number of battles. From February 24, 1864 until January 13, 1865, he was assigned to duty at
Richmond, under direction of the President of the Confederate States of America
Jefferson Davis, and was charged with the conduct of military operations.
Photograph: Unknown; restoration: Adam Cuerden