The October 7th Chattanoogan had an article about Edmund Pettus. Most people have heard of the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, the site of a Civil Rights confrontation in 1965, but how did it get its name?
Edmund Pettus of Alabama joined the Confederate Army and was at the Battles of Stones River and Vicksburg, rising to the rank of brigadier general. His command was at Lookout Mountain outside of Chattanooga and later fought in the battles around Atlanta.
In 1897, he was elected US senator from Alabama and held that seat until his death in 1907.
The bridge that bears his name was built in 1940.
So, That's Why It's the Pettus Bridge. --Old B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
