Perhaps the most controversial of all ranking Confederate officers, this North Carolina native was a writer, traveler, respected artillery commander and plantation owner prior to The Civil War. Many of his actions during major Western Theater battles in which he fought are still widely debated.
After graduating from West Point Braxton Bragg entered the U. S. Army as a second lieutenant on July 1, 1837. He fought in the Seminole Wars, 1837-1841 and served under Zachary Taylor during the Mexican American War. At Monterrey, Captain Bragg distinguished himself during bitter street fighting and in an attack on the cathedral and main plaza, but it was during the battle of Buena Vista that his "...prompt and fearless conduct" saved the Americans from defeat. He is credited with repulsing a frontal attack through effective use of his artillery, then holding off an attack on General Zachary Taylor's flank while Colonel Jefferson Davis organized a defense of the position. After his brave action he was twice the target of assassins.
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