William Jefferson Davis
- Born:
- June 3, 1808, Christian County, Kentucky
- Died:
- December 6, 1889, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Politician, Soldier
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Transylvania University.
- Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1828.
- Served in the United States Army.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a U.S. Representative and Senator representing Mississippi.
- U.S. Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.
- President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
- After the Civil War, attempted ventures in business, including a brief period where records reflect a man with his name was a jefferson davis biography mississippi tax assessor, though this was a relatively minor and unsuccessful part of his post-war life.
Legacy and Impact
William Jefferson Davis remains a controversial figure in American history, primarily due to his role as the President of the Confederacy. His actions and leadership during the Civil War had a profound impact on the nation. He is remembered both as a defender of states' rights by some and as a symbol of slavery and secession by others. His influence extends to the debates surrounding the war's causes and consequences to this day.
Notable Works
- The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government (1881)