James Longstreet was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War. Born on January 8, 1821, in South Carolina, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1846. Longstreet served in various battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg, where he played a significant role in the conflict. After the war, Longstreet became a controversial figure due to his support for Reconstruction and the Republican Party. He held various political and business positions, including serving as the U.S. Minister to Turkey. Longstreet passed away on January 2, 1904, leaving a complex legacy in American history.