November 13, 1804

Theophilus Hunter Holmes, who became a lieutenant general in the Confederate army and served variously as the commander of the Trans-Mississippi Department and commander of the District of Arkansas, was born in Sampson County, North Carolina. He is perhaps best known for his perceived failures in leadership during his time in Arkansas. Eventually maligned by soldiers and civilians alike, Holmes is a classic example of a Civil War commander who was promoted beyond his abilities.