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BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES B. GORDON
The birthplace of General James B. Gordon, known as Oakland, stretched hundreds of yards south to the
Yadkin, east to the Reddies River, and west toward rising hills (the area now Wilkes Regional Medical Center).
Gordon was educated in the common schools and academies of this section and at Emory and Henry College.
He engaged in mercantile business and was one of the most successful men in the country in his day. Gordon
always took a lively interest in politics and he became the leader of his party in Wilkes County. In 1850, he was
elected to represent the county in the lower house of the General Assembly.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Gordon was one of the first to answer the call, serving in the battles at
Manasses, Gettsburg, Culpepper, Jack's Shop, Brandy Station, the battle at Wilderness, Spottsylvania,
Petersburg, Appomattox, Hagerstown, and Brook Church. In the famous retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox
when the Confederates came to Sailor's Creek, they found the bridge burned. The enemy was close behind
and the Confederates were in a perious situation. The enemy was held in check by Gordon's Regiments until
the bridge was rebuilt and the retreat continued. At Hagerstown, Gordon repulsed an attack that General Stuart
said saved the trains of the Confederates.
General Gordon received his mortal wound during the fight at Brook Church on May 12, 1864 and died six
days later. His remains were brought home and buried in the St. Paul's Episcopal Cemetery at Wilkesboro.
His last resting place is marked by a beautiful monument, and the evergreens and flowers that grow about
his grave show the lasting admiration of his comrades, friends and relatives. Wilkes is glad the whole country
glories in the achievement of her noble son.
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