General Jubal Early was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, known for his aggressive tactics and leadership in the Army of Northern Virginia. Born on November 3, 1816, in Franklin County, Virginia, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1837 and served in the Mexican-American War before the Civil War began. Early played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. After the war, he became a prominent figure in Southern history and wrote memoirs that contributed to the Lost Cause narrative, defending the Confederate cause and its leaders.