Welcome to the site of the John B. Hood Camp #50 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Galveston, Texas
We are the proud descendants of the Confederate soldiers and sailors who fought for their Constitutional rights against what had become a tyrannical government during the War for Southern Independence, 1861-1865. The purpose of our organization is to honor and preserve the memory and true history of our Confederate ancestors and to promote our true Southern heritage. We also seek to educate others concerning this history, not only of the heroic deeds on the field of battle, but also of the true causes for the War and of its aftermath. We work to accomplish these goals by identifying and marking Confederate graves, by cleaning and caring for existing Veterans’ markers, by providing Confederate grave and monument dedication services, by participating in historical re-enactments and ceremonies that honor our ancestors. At our monthly meetings we discuss the military and political history of the War and we often have guest speakers to make presentations.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans was formed in 1896 and is the direct heir to the United Confederate Veterans. On April 24, 1906, General Stephen Dill Lee addressed the Sons and gave them what we now call The Charge:
“To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish.”
Current Officers & Contact Information
Commander: Barton M. T
Lt Commander: James A. H
Adjutant: Ronald E. G
EMAIL: Camp50scv@gmail.com
Camp 50 Meeting Information
The Camp meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. *
Shrimp and Stuff Restaurant private dining room
39th Street & Avenue O (3901 Avenue O)
Galveston, Texas
*Exceptions:
Jan & Jun-Aug: Contact Ronald E. G
Lieutenant General John Bell Hood
Confederate States Army
Born in Owingsville, Kentucky in 1831 and a West Point Graduate at the age of 22, John Bell Hood was one of the most rapidly promoted Confederate officers in The War Between the States. After serving in California and Texas for the United States Army, he resigned his commission in April of 1861 to join the Confederacy as a Cavalry Captain. From there, he was soon promoted to Colonel of the Texas 4th Infantry. Thereafter, he distinguished himself on a dozen fields, beginning in the Peninsula Campaign and at Second Manassas. At the Battle of Gaine’s Mill on June 27, he distinguished himself by leading his brigade in a charge that broke the Union line – arguably the most successful Confederate performance in the Seven Days Battles. While Hood escaped the battle without an injury, every officer in his brigade was killed or wounded.
He was promoted to Major General in 1862 serving with distinction at Sharpsburg and at Fredericksburg. Hood was a significant player at the Battle of Gettysburg, being ordered by Longstreet to attack the Union’s left flank against his own wishes. His command was bloodily blunted by union forces in Devils Den, and finally undone at Little Round Top. Hood was severely wounded in the arm at Gettysburg and was forced to hand off command, and soon thereafter lost a leg at Chickamauga. After some recovery, he was appointed to Lieutenant General serving under General J.E. Johnston, whom he would replace in the spring of 1864. Hood conducted the remainder of the Atlanta Campaign with the strong aggressive actions for which he was famous. He launched four major offensives that summer in an attempt to break Sherman’s siege of Atlanta, starting almost immediately with an attack along Peachtree Creek; however, all of the offensives failed, with significant Confederate casualties. Finally, on September 2, 1864, Hood evacuated the city of Atlanta, burning as many military supplies and installations as possible.
Hood marched his army into Tennessee where his forces were crippled trying to break through Union breastworks at the Battle of Franklin. His army suffered again at the Battle of Nashville from Union forces lead by General Thomas. Hood was relieved of his rank (at his own request) in January of 1865 and returned to his post as Lieutenant General. He desired to take control of the Texas army, but they surrendered before his arrival. In May 1865, Hood gave himself up to Union forces in Natchez, Mississippi. After the war, Hood moved to New Orleans and lived there with his wife and children until he died in 1879 of yellow fever.
John Bell Hood is interred in the Hennen family tomb at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans. He is memorialized by Hood County in Texas and the U.S. Army installation, Fort Hood, in central Texas.