From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
John Bell Hood (1831-1879) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Hood had a reputation for bravery and aggressiveness since he was one of the few generals to personally lead his soldiers into combat. In spite of this, he had a poor understanding of tactics which caused several defeats for the Confederacy.
Hood was born in Owingsville, Kentucky and was educated at the United States Military Academy; he graduated with a low class rank. He initially served as an infantry officer but later transferred into the Second Cavalry in Texas in 1855. In 1861, Hood joined the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee as a divisional commander. He lost an arm while leading his men at the Battle of Gettysburg and a leg at the Battle of Chickamauga.
In July 17, 1864, Hood was given command of the Army of Tennessee which he led to defeat at the Battle of Franklin to Union general John McAllister Schofield. He was defeated again at the Battle of Nashville, in which most of his army was wiped out.
After the war, Hood moved to Louisiana and became a cotton grower and an insurance broker.
