Robert E. Rodes began his career in academia, serving on the faculty of the Virginia Military Institute. His time there ended abruptly when a promotion he believed he deserved was instead given to his colleague, Thomas Jackson. The professional rivalry created a rift between the two men, and Rodes resigned from the institute.
History, however, had other plans for the pair. Twelve years later, the two men were reunited on the battlefield, with Jackson serving as Rodes’ commanding officer. It was Rodes’ division that spearheaded Jackson’s famous flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
That night, General Jackson was mortally wounded during the assault. From his deathbed, Jackson recommended that Rodes be promoted to major general, a final act of respect that bridged their old divide.
Rodes would go on to play a significant role at the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, he led an assault from Oak Hill against the right flank of the Union First Corps. His initial attacks were poorly coordinated, and the casualties were high, but he eventually managed to rout the division of Major General John C. Robinson.
The victory drove the Union forces back through the town of Gettysburg. Despite this success on the first day, Rodes’ division sat idle for the remaining two days of the battle.
Like his former colleague Stonewall Jackson, Robert Rodes would not survive the war. On September 19, 1864, at the age of 35, he was leading his division in a counter-attack during the Battle of Third Winchester. He was struck down by federal artillery.
His body was taken to his native town of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he was buried in a Presbyterian cemetery. He left behind a pregnant widow and a one-year-old son. His daughter was born just a few months after his death.