Biography of Colonel Reuben Philander Campbell

Colonel R.P. Campbell was born in Iredell County, North Carolina on April 16, 1818. He attended West Point and graduated from the USMA as a member of the class of 1840. He rose to the rank of captain in the US Army, serving in the Mexican War. He resigned to join the Confederacy in 1861.

Upon joining the Confederacy, Campbell was made colonel of the 7th North Carolina Regiment on May 16, 1861. While commanding the regiment, he was killed at the battle of Gaines Mill during the Seven Days Campaign.