Encyclopedia · People, inventors, and ordnance officers

Edward Porter Alexander

Edward Porter Alexander (1835-1910) was a Confederate artillery officer who directed the great bombardment before Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg and rose to command the artillery of Longstreet's corps.

Also known as: E. P. Alexander.

Born1835
Died1910
RoleConfederate artillery commander
NotableDirected the Confederate bombardment before Pickett's Charge

Confederate gunner

Edward Porter Alexander was among the ablest artillery officers of the Confederacy. At Gettysburg he massed and directed the great cannonade of July 3 that preceded Pickett's Charge, judging the moment for the infantry to advance, and he rose to command the artillery of Longstreet's First Corps.

His later writings on the war became valuable sources, but his reputation rests first on his handling of massed artillery in the field.

On this site

Sources & further reading

← Back to the Encyclopedia