Birth: Nov. 2, 1822
Death: May 18, 1864
Civil War Confederate Brigadier General. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, he enlisted and was appointed a Major in the 1st North Carolina Cavalry Regiment. He served under the command of General J.E.B. Stuart and was promoted Cavalry Colonel in November 1862. During the Confederate retreat after the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, he defeated Union forces at Hagerstown Maryland, helping the Confederates escape into Virginia. In September 1863, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned command of the North Carolina Cavalry Brigade. When General Stuart was killed in the Battle of Yellow Tavern, Gordon assumed the role of defending Richmond, Virginia. On May 12, 1864, Gordon's cavalry engaged Union troops at Meadow Bridge, north of Richmond, long enough for reinforcements to arrive however, Gordon was mortally wounded in the battle and died within a week.
Burial: Saint Paul's Episcopal Churchyard, Wilkesboro, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
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