James Longstreet: The Confederate General That Defied The South

The most remarkable political about-face in American history was made by General James Longstreet. He fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, but after the war, he supported Black voting and joined Louisiana’s newly elected, integrated post-war government. Despite being one of the highest-ranking Confederate generals, Longstreet has never been honored with statues or memorials in the South because of his post-war actions in rejecting the Lost Cause mythology and urging racial reconciliation. Dr. Elizabeth R. Varon, Langbourne M. Williams professor of American history at the University of Virginia will lead this discussion. Moderated by ACWM President and CEO, Dr. Rob Havers.