Louis T. Wigfall

Louis Trezevant Wigfall (April 21, 1816 – February 18, 1874) was an American politician from Texas and a general during the American Civil War.

Related Topics:
April 21 - 1816 - February 18 - 1874 - American - Texas - American Civil War

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Wigfall served as a member of the Texas Legislature, United States Senate, and Confederate Senate. Wigfall was among a group of leading secessionists that became known as the Fire-Eaters, advocating the preservation and expansion of a aristocratic agricultural society based on slave labor. He was a close friend of future Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

Related Topics:
Texas Legislature - United States Senate - Confederate Senate - Secessionist - Fire-Eaters - Aristocratic - Agricultural society - Slave labor - Confederate - Jefferson Davis

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Wigfall was a staunch political opponent of fellow Texan Sam Houston. When Houston ran for governor in 1857, Wigfall followed him on the campaign trail, attacking his congressional record at each of Houston's stops. He accused Houston of being a traitor to the South, and claimed that he was trying to gain the presidential nomination by courting the support of Northern abolitionists.

Related Topics:
Sam Houston - 1857 - South - Northern - Abolitionists

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Wigfall was a member of the Texas delegation to the Montgomery Conference, which formed the provisional government of the Confederacy. He was the original commander of the "Texas Brigade" in the Confederate Army before he resigned his post and was replaced by John Bell Hood.

Related Topics:
Montgomery - Confederacy - Confederate Army - John Bell Hood

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