Chapman's Mill

James Ewell Brown ("Jeb") Stuart

James Ewell Brown ("Jeb") Stuart was one of the more colorful cavaliers in the Army of Northern Virginia. Stuart enrolled at the West Point Military Academy and graduated in 1854. His first service was the 1st US Cavalry in the Kansas territory. Then lieutenant Stuart was with the US Army force that marched to Harper's Ferry to put down the revolt begun by John Brown. Stuart participated in the capture of Brown, a violent abolitionist, who was later hung for treason. When the Civil War broke out, Stuart resigned his commission with the United States Army and offered his services to Virginia. He was given the rank of colonel of the 1st Virginia Cavalry, and assigned to the Shenandoah Valley.

Stuart's wartime career was marked by spectacular exploits and he became a household name in Virginia newspapers. Stuart made a name for himself at the first Battle of Bull Run where his troopers swept down on retreating Union soldiers. He was promoted to brigadier general in September 1861, and given a brigade of cavalry to command in the Army of Northern Virginia. During the Seven Days Battles near Richmond, Stuart and his command succeeded in riding all the way around the Union Army. His ride became the subject of many news stories and a song called "Riding A Raid". In July 1862, General Stuart became a major general and was assigned to command all of the cavalry of Lee's army.

When participating in the Buckland Races, Stuart led his cavalry through Thoroughfare Gap on his way to Haymarket for a Calvary fight.

On May 11, 1864 Stuart's forces intercepted Sheridan at Yellow Tavern in front of Richmond, and the gallant cavalier was mortally wounded. Jeb Stuart died that next day at age 31. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. His passing marked a turn of fortunes for the Confederate cavalry of Lee's army, and he is still admired today as one of the greatest cavalry commanders of the Civil War.