The Men of Randolph-Macon College and the Civil War

In 1861, talk of secession transformed into armed conflict. Many of the men educated at Randolph-Macon College in the preceding 29 years immediately responded to the calls of their state militias to serve, while others later enlisted or were conscripted into the Confederate or Union armies. Others served in public office, or were ultimately drawn into the conflict in the last days in reserve units in local defense. These are their stories.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

William Anderson Hightower, student 1859-1861

WILLIAM ANDERSON HIGHTOWER attended R-MC from 1859-1861, leaving school to enlist as a private in the 23rd Virginia Infantry, Company E. He was wounded in September of 1862 and taken prisoner of war, then was paroled and exchanged in October, 1862. Returning to his unit, he was promoted to First Sergeant in January, 1863.

He would not survive his second wound at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, and he died on May 21, 1863 three months before his 20th birthday. His uniform is on display at the National Park Service’s Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, showing where his right leg was amputated.