Col. George A. Porterfield (1822-1919) was born on November 24, 1822 in Berkeley County, Virginia, the son of George and Mary Porterfield. His father fought in the War of 1812 and his grandfather in the American Revolutionary War. He served as a lieutenant in the Mexican War but was a private citizen and farmer when Virginia mobilized its militia prior to secession.
Porterfield was appointed a colonel and assigned to raise a regiment in northwestern Virginia, however, his ignominious defeat at Philippi in June 1861 lowered his standing with military leadership in Richmond. He demanded and was exonerated by a Military Court of Inquiry but his career never recovered.
His replacement, Brig. Gen. Robert S. Garnett, assigned him to an administrative role in Beverly until the Confederate Army retreated in mid-July. He then joined the staff of Brig. Gen. William W. Loring. He was captured and paroled by Union forces in the summer of 1862 and never returned to military duty.
Reports and Letters
- May 14 Report of Colonel George A. Porterfield
- May 25 Report of Colonel George A. Porterfield
- May 29 Report of Colonel George A. Porterfield
Updated: 16 March 2025
Created: 16 November 2023
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