By DELL ARTHUR
Bellingham,
a community located some 25 miles south of the Canadian border overlooking
Bellingham Bay, located at the far northwest region of Washington State, has
grown mightily since first settled in the early 1880’s. Now a booming city it
has no resemblance of the small town that relied on fishing, coal mining and a
paper mill. Today all of these industries are gone. Today the city is home to
Western Washington State University, an international airport and many
manufacturing companies. But Bellingham is also noted for several famous personalities
whose roots began here such as Edward R. Marrow and national radio talk host
Glen Beck. But prior to the towns formal establishment the community was known
only as Fort Bellingham, yet little is known of the local history of one of its
most famous residents—Civil War Confederate General George Edward Pickett and
his impact on the area.
Pickett,
following his graduation from West Point was a man of ability and courage even
though he graduated 59th at the very bottom of his classmates. Obviously
he wasn’t considered much of a scholar but maintained grades just good enough
to ensure his graduation and commission as a second lieutenant. He was popular
both with staff and fellow cadets; enjoyed fun and activities outside studies
and many believe this is the reason for his poor scholastic achievement.
After receiving his
commission Pickett fought in the Mexican-American War at the siege of Vera Cruz
and later served in the southwest part of the United States including Texas and
his home state of Virginia before being transferred to the Northwest Territory
where he faced down the Canadian army of about 1000 soldiers with only his
small garrison as the result of the famous “Pig War.” During those times he distinguished
himself winning honors for bravery and leadership.
His
military career continued to flourish and by 1849 he achieved the rank of
captain. In 1851 he met and married Sally Harrison Minge of Virginia. Not too
long after their marriage the couple settled down and started a family. This
was when Pickett suffered the first horrific tragedy confronted in his short
life. Sally died in childbirth.
Following
his wife’s death the Army transferred Pickett to what was known as the
Washington Territory. In 1856 he was in command of a small garrison named Fort
Bellingham which is now the City of Bellingham.
Pickett’s primary responsibility
was the construction of the fort and it was at this time he constructed his
wood frame house. Today the “Pickett house” still stands in its finest form.
The house is located on a bluff overlooking the Bellingham Bay and is the
oldest house in Bellingham. It sits on its original foundation and is
maintained in perfect condition by the Bellingham Museum.
The garrison he commanded
was small. Only about 65 soldiers were stationed at the fort and besides this number
a few white families, mostly timber men, miners and trappers who also inhabited
the area. The larger population consisted of a number of friendly Indian tribes.
A lonely man, Pickett met and married an Indian maiden named Morning Mist. And
it is at this time he suffered another tragedy.
The couple had a son
James, nicknamed “Jimmy.” Soon after the boy was born Morning Star died. And as
a military man Pickett, unable care for his son. As a result he placed the boy
with a local white couple who raised the child.
By 1861 it was evident
that a bitter war, between the states was unavoidable. Being a southerner
Pickett resigned his Union Army commission and joined the ranks of the
Confederacy. Leaving his son it is reported that he continued to try to keep
contact and met full financial responsibility for the boys care. But time and
distance took its toll and when Pickett left for the east it was the last time
he would ever see his son.
When the War Between the
States (misnomered as the “Civil War”) started, Pickett was given command of two divisions by his close friend
Major General James Longstreet where he served with distinction and which finally
led to the infamous rout at Gettysburg named, “Pickett’s Charge.”
It was the third and
final day of the battle when the failed charge was ordered. Longstreet had
grave reservations and tried to persuade Lee to cancel the charge. He saw the
handwriting on the wall but Lee however, persisted that Pickett lead the charge
and the rest is history.
Prior to Gettysburg
Pickett met and married a Virginia teenager, LaSalle Corbell. He was 38 years
of age and she was still in her late teens. Following
their marriage the couple had two sons Edward Pickett, Jr., and David Corbell
Pickett. David died at the age of 11 of measles.
In Bellingham James
Pickett, a sensitive and artistic young man sought out a career as a newspaper
artist. Unfortunately he never enjoyed good health. His works were highly
acclaimed and he continued to successfully draw for several newspapers. Apparently
he never communicated with his father nor did he have any relationship with his
relatives in Virginia nor did they seem interested in knowing anything about
him.
Jimmy never married and he
finally relocated at Oregon, working for a newspaper where he died as a young
man.
As for his father;
following the war Pickett hid in Canada for about a year fearing the
retribution of the Union Army. Finally, following an act of Congress, he was
granted a full pardon and he returned to his home state Virginia where he was
employed as an insurance salesman. He died in Norfolk, Virginia, July 30, 1875.
He was 50 years old.
Today his home in
Bellingham stands vacant except for curious visitors and haunted only by
memories.
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