Jefferson Davis: The Life And Legacy Of A Confederate Leader (1808-1889)

Jefferson Davis was a contentious figure in American history, representing the complexities of the Civil War era. As the president of the Confederate States of America, he played a pivotal role during a time of great national strife. His life story is one of military leadership, political ambition, and enduring controversy. Understanding Davis's life offers insights into the historical context of the Civil War and the legacy of the Confederacy.

Davis's early life was marked by military influence, being born into a family with a strong tradition of military service. He rose through the ranks of the military and into politics, ultimately becoming a senator and the Secretary of War. Despite his achievements, his presidency of the Confederacy remains a topic of debate, particularly regarding his views on slavery and states' rights.

This article will explore the significant events of Davis's life, from his distinguished military career to his presidency during the Civil War, including his post-war challenges and legacy. Through examining his biography, we can glean lessons about leadership, determination, and the complexities of historical narratives.

Table of Contents

• Who Was Jefferson Davis?
• Early Life
• Early Military Service
• Early Politics
• Return to Military (1846–'47)
• Return to Politics
• Later Life, Death and Legacy

Who Was Jefferson Davis?

After a distinguished military career, Jefferson Davis served as a U.S. senator and as secretary of war under Franklin Pierce before his election as the president of the secessionist Confederate States of America. He was later indicted for treason, though never tried, and remained a symbol of Southern pride until his death in 1889.

Early Life

Jefferson Finis Davis was born on June 3, 1808, in Christian County, Kentucky (now called Fairview). One of 10 children born into a military family, his birth took place just 100 miles from and eight months earlier than President Abraham Lincoln’s. Davis's father and uncles were soldiers in the American Revolutionary War, and three of his older brothers fought in the War of 1812.

Though born in Kentucky, Davis primarily grew up on the Rosemont Plantation near Woodville, Mississippi, eventually returning to Kentucky to attend boarding school in Bardstown. After completing his boarding school education, Davis enrolled at Jefferson College in Mississippi, later transferring to Transylvania University in Kentucky.

Early Military Service

Upon graduating from West Point, Davis was assigned to the post of second-lieutenant of the First Infantry. From 1828 to 1833, he carried out his first active service with the U.S. Army. Davis fought with his regiment in the Blackhawk War of 1831, during which they captured Chief Blackhawk himself. The Indian chief was placed under Davis’ care, with Davis winning Blackhawk over through his kind treatment of the prisoner.

In March 1833, Davis was promoted to first lieutenant and transferred to the First Dragoons, a newly formed regiment. He also served as the unit’s staff officer. Until the summer of 1835, Davis continued his service on the battlefield against Indian tribes, including the Comanche and Pawnees.

Early Politics

After leaving the military, Davis became a cotton farmer while preparing for a career in politics as a Democrat. In 1843, he participated in the gubernatorial campaign and served as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. His powerful speeches there placed him in high demand. One year later, he became an elector for Polk and Dallas, taking the stance of state protection against federal interference and supporting Texas’ annexation in the process.

In December 1845, Davis won election to the U.S. House of Representatives and claimed a seat in Congress, which caused him to gain more public attention. Additionally, he remarried, this time to a woman named Varina Howell. The marriage helped further forge his connection with Mississippi planters, as Varina’s family was of that class.

Return to Military (1846–'47)

In June 1846, Jefferson Davis resigned from his position in Congress to lead the First Regiment of the Mississippi Riflemen in the Mexican-American War. He held the rank of colonel under his former father-in-law, General Taylor. During the Mexican-American War, Davis fought in the Battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista, in 1846 and 1847, respectively.

At the Battle of Monterrey, he led his men to victory in an assault at Fort Teneria. He was injured at the Battle of Buena Vista when he blocked a charge of Mexican swords — an incident that earned him nationwide acclaim.

Return to Politics

In 1847, following Davis’ heroic feat, Taylor appointed him U.S. senator from Mississippi — a seat that had opened as a result of Senator Jesse Speight’s death. After serving the rest of Speight’s term, from December to January of 1847, Davis was re-elected for an additional term.

As a senator, Davis advocated for slavery and states’ rights and opposed the admission of California to the Union as a free state. He held his Senate seat until 1851 and went on to run for the Mississippi governorship, but lost the election.

Later Life, Death and Legacy

Following his term as president of the Confederacy, Davis traveled overseas on business. He was offered a job as president of what became Texas A&M University but declined. He lived out his retirement years at an estate called Beauvoir in Mississippi.

A powerful and influential statesman, Davis left behind a legacy similar in some ways to other U.S. presidents. His birthday is celebrated in several Southern states, and his presidential library opened in Mississippi in 1998. In 1978, his U.S. citizenship was posthumously restored.

As with other Confederate leaders, public monuments to Davis have generated considerable controversy in recent years. In December 2017, following a heated legal battle, residents of Memphis, Tennessee, managed to have a statue of Davis removed from a park.