14 Facts About Micah Jenkins

Micah Jenkins was a Confederate general in the American Civil War, mortally wounded by friendly fire at the Battle of the Wilderness.

Micah Jenkins graduated first in his class from the South Carolina Military Academy, now called The Citadel, in 1854.

Micah Jenkins recruited a company of the 5th South Carolina Infantry Regiment and was elected as colonel on April 13,1861.

Micah Jenkins fought under David R Jones at the First Battle of Bull Run and later was brigaded under General Richard H Anderson.

At the Battle of Seven Pines, Anderson was temporarily put in division command while Micah Jenkins got brigade command of his own regiment, the 6th South Carolina, and the Palmetto Sharpshooters.

Micah Jenkins led with distinction in that battle, leading his brigade around the Union's flanks to their rear and forcing them to retreat 1.5 miles to the rear.

Also during that year Micah Jenkins was colonel of the Palmetto Sharpshooters.

Micah Jenkins was later wounded at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862, this time in the shoulder and chest.

Consequently, Micah Jenkins was absent from the Army of Northern Virginia when it fought the Battle of Antietam.

However Micah Jenkins was the senior officer, being promoted three months earlier, and with support of Longstreet took command.

On January 16,1864, Micah Jenkins led his brigade to victory in the small Battle of Kimbrough's Crossroads against Federal cavalry.

Jenkins's son, Micah John Jenkins was born July 3,1857, and graduated from West Point in 1879.

Micah Jenkins was promoted to Major of the Regiment on August 11,1898; and was mustered out of service with the Regiment at Montauk Point, Long Island, New York in September 1898.

Micah Jenkins died in Charleston, South Carolina on Oct 17,1912.