The Untold Story of Wade Hampton III: A Southern Hero

Discover the intriguing life of Wade Hampton III, a man whose bravery and leadership made him a prominent figure in American history. From humble beginnings to becoming a revered military officer and influential politician, his remarkable journey unfolds here.

Early Life and Background

Wade Hampton III was born on March 28, 1818, in Charleston, South Carolina. He hailed from a prestigious and wealthy family, with deep roots in the South. His father, Wade Hampton II, was a highly successful plantation owner, establishing a strong foundation for young Wade's upbringing.

From a young age, Hampton III was imbued with a strong sense of duty, chivalry, and Southern honor. He received an exceptional education, emphasizing the classics, mathematics, and military history. These formative years planted the seeds of his future success.

Gentleman and Soldier: A Biography of Wade Hampton III

by Edward G. Longacre (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4672 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	364 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Rise to Prominence

Hampton III's rise to prominence began during the Mexican-American War, where he served as a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate Army. His fearless leadership and strategic brilliance on the battlefield earned him respect from his comrades and superiors.

Following the war, Hampton III returned home to South Carolina, where his ambitions expanded beyond the military. He embarked on a successful political career, serving as a state representative and later as the governor of South Carolina. His tenure revolutionized the state's education system and brought economic prosperity.

The Civil War and Legacy

When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Hampton III's unwavering loyalty to the South led him to support secession. He became a major general, commanding the famed Hampton Legion. Throughout the war, he displayed remarkable bravery and strategic acumen in numerous battles, earning the admiration of his soldiers and fellow commanders.

Despite the Confederacy's ultimate defeat, Hampton III's honorable conduct and continued dedication to the South solidified his place in history as a symbol of Southern resilience. After the war, he worked tirelessly to rebuild the devastated Southern economy, advocating for racial reconciliation.

Later Life and Legacy

Wade Hampton III's lifelong dedication to his principles and love for his homeland continued long after the war. He actively participated in Reconstruction politics and worked to restore dignity to the Southern way of life. His generosity towards the less fortunate and his support for educational institutions further solidified his reputation as a man of integrity.

Hampton's influence extended far beyond his lifetime. His legacy still reverberates through South Carolina and the wider United States today. As a testament to his impact, numerous landmarks, statues, and streets bear his name, reminding everyone of his indelible contributions to American history.

Wade Hampton III, a true American hero, played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the South during a tumultuous period. His unwavering dedication to his principles, his strategic brilliance, and his tireless efforts to rebuild the South are integral parts of his remarkable biography.

As we look back at his life, let us celebrate the legacy of a man who embodied honor, courage, and resilience. Wade Hampton III will forever be remembered as an iconic figure in American history.

Gentleman and Soldier: A Biography of Wade Hampton III

by Edward G. Longacre (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4672 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	364 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Winner of the Douglas Southall Freeman History Award, Gentleman and Soldier is the first biography in more than fifty years of Wade Hampton III (1818–1902), a Confederate general whose life provides a unique, sweeping insight into the entire history of the Civil War in the South. Hampton was a leading citizen of South Carolina before the war and the highest-ranking cavalry leader on either side during the war. He fought in a remarkable number of battles from Antietam to Gettysburg to Bentonville and after the war served as governor of South Carolina and in the U.S. Senate.
Hampton’s life, however, was one of dramatic contradictions. He was the quintessential slave owner who nonetheless questioned the ethical underpinnings of the “peculiar institution.” He was a prewar spokesperson for national unity but became an avid secessionist. He condemned violence and abhorred dueling, but he probably killed more opponents in battle than any other general with the possible exception of Nathan Bedford Forrest. He “redeemed” South Carolina from Reconstruction but then extended more political benefits to African Americans than any other Democratic governor in the postwar South. For more than forty years he gave selflessly of himself to his state and his community, not only when wealthy but also when teetering on the abyss of poverty.