Johnson Hagood

A "brave and meritorious officer" - General P.G.T. Beauregard

Of Hagood, it was said, "There have been greater men, but none truer, none cleaner, higher, and more unalterable in doing the right as he saw it; and he saw with clearness and accuracy."

Hagood was born in Barnwell, South Carolina on February 21, 1829. He graduated from the Citadel in 1847 at the top of his class, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He also was a planter in addition to being a lawyer. Active in the milita, he was elected colonel of the 1st South Carolina and participated in the battle of Fort Sumter and First Manassas. His younger brother was later colonel of his regiment. Soon after First Manassas, Hagood was promoted to general on July 21, 1862.

His brigade saw service at Petersburg, particularly against Butler and later in the entrenchments. General Beauregard wrote that, "General Hagood and his command became the heroes of the day, and were justly looked upon as the saviors of Petersburg on that occasion." The brigade later fought at Fort Fisher and under Joe Johnston. Hagood was with Johnston when he surrendered.

After the War, Hagood served as Comptroller General of South Carolina from 1876-1880 and then as Governor from 1880-1882.

Hagood died on January 4, 1898 and was buried at the Episcopal Church in Barnwell.

Johnson Hagood Stadium at the Citadel, where he served as chairman of the Board of Visitors from 1877 to 1898, is named in his honor.