John Pelham’s Fall & The Rise of a Confederate Legend
On March 17, 1863, Major John Pelham—commander of the Stuart Horse Artillery—fell from his horse, mortally wounded. That day at Kelly’s Ford marked the end of his short life and the beginning of his memory and enduring legend. This presentation explores the experiences of the twenty-four-year-old officer, his battlefield tactics and innovations, and how he rose to fame during his life—and even more so after his death.

Sara Kay Bierle
Sarah Kay Bierle graduated from Thomas Edison State University with a BA in History and works in the Education Department at the American Battlefield Trust. She has spent years exploring ways to share quality historical research that will inform and inspire modern audiences, including school presentations, writing, battlefield tours, and speaking engagements. She has published seven books, including Glorious Courage: John Pelham in the Civil War (Savas Beatie, 2025) and Decisions at Chancellorsville (University of Tennessee Press, 2025).