Jefferson Davis

President, Confederate States

Born: June 3, 1808 · Christian County, Kentucky

Died: December 6, 1889 · New Orleans, Louisiana

Height: 6'0"

Weight: ~155 lbs

Education: Transylvania University; U.S. Military Academy, West Point (Class of 1828, graduated 23rd of 33)

Pre-war: U.S. Army officer; Mississippi plantation owner; U.S. Congressman; U.S. Senator; Secretary of War under President Pierce

"All we ask is to be let alone."

Biography

A West Point graduate and former U.S. Secretary of War, Davis led the Confederacy through four years of war. His management style was often criticized — he feuded with generals, struggled to build a centralized government from scratch, and clung to failed commanders too long. Yet he kept the Confederacy fighting far longer than its resources warranted.

Did you know?

As Secretary of War, advocated using camels as military transport in the American Southwest — imported 70 camels as an experiment in 1856. The project worked but was abandoned when the Civil War diverted priorities.

Life Journey

Timeline

June 3, 1808

🌅 Birth

Born in Christian County, Kentucky

1824–1828

📚 Education

U.S. Military Academy, West Point

1835–1861

📍 Posting

Brierfield plantation, Mississippi; political career

February 22, 1862

📍 Posting

Inaugurated as Confederate President, Richmond, Virginia

December 6, 1889

✝️ Death

Dies in New Orleans, Louisiana