Rebels from West Point: The 306 U.S. Military Academy Graduates Who Fought for the Confederacy

by Gerard A. Patterson

"Rebels from West Point" tells the story of the 306 officers who, after receiving a West Point education and swearing to uphold the values of the Union, defected to serve the Confederacy. The author examines this fascinating group of officers, describing the heart-wrenching choice they made and how, even after they "went South," they remained connected to the brotherhood of their former West Point cadets. Among the more famous personalities included in this group are Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, Gen. A. P. Hill, Gen. James Longstreet, and Gen. John B. Hood.

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction

194 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 1987

Reviews

[Dan Lutts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebels from West Point is a fascinating true story about three hundred and six Confederate soldiers who graduated from West Point fought the Yankees during the Civil War. Robert E. Lee, who also graduated from West Point, chose three of them--James Longstreet, Stonewall Jackson, and Jeb Stuart --as his top commanders. Lots of other Confederate soldiers who also graduated from West Point fought along side them. The book tells how those soldiers struggled with with duty, friendship, loyalty, and honor while they fought their Yankee friends who also graduated from West Point. If you're interested in the Civil War, this is a book that's well worth reading.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This covers the unusual topic of the West Point graduates who joined the Confederacy, and their unique place in American history. This narrative manages to cover a number of the more famous Confederates, primarily in the Army of Northern Virginia, but mostly ignores those who fought in other parts of the Confederacy. As a result, it is readable and informative, but far from comprehensive. The actual text is about 160 pages, plus notes and bibliography, a short popular history.
A few poignant moments are covered, as old friends met in battle, but a few "urban legends" are included as fact, so there is some risk that the historical accuracy is flawed.

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a historically accurate book that provided an interesting view into the minds of the Confederate Generals who fought in the Army of Northern Virginia. It was a very light read but provided enough substance to be respected. It also explained the inner conflict most Confederate Generals and soldiers had concerning their relationships with their Union counterparts. Patterson was not overtly biased although he did seem to put General Lee on a pedestal. Overall, I loved it and would recommend it for others interested in grasping a more personal understanding of the Civil War.