The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong A P Hill to Die on
Nov 4, 2025
Dive into the complexities of military history and the legacies of figures like A.P. Hill and Robert Pinn. Learn about Hill's mixed record and controversial actions during the Civil War, including his racism at Petersburg. Discover the renaming of Fort A.P. Hill to honor Mary Edwards Walker and the political tensions surrounding base name changes. Explore how both historical and modern names highlight moral dilemmas, and hear tales of bravery from forgotten soldiers. It's a riveting discussion about honoring heroes and confronting uncomfortable truths.
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From Aide To Medal Of Honor
- Robert A. Pinn rose from aide to decorated battlefield leader despite systemic racism and no formal early enlistment.
- He led a charge at Fort Gilmer, was wounded three times, and later became a lawyer and community pillar.
Complicated Confederate Commander
- Ambrose Powell Hill Jr. combined tactical skill with chronic insubordination and severe personal prejudices.
- His mixed record includes saving Lee at Antietam yet blunders at Gettysburg and other costly defeats.
Hill's Final Ride To Death
- A.P. Hill returned to the front on April 1, 1865, possibly seeking death over living in a changing society.
- He was shot through the chest and died immediately, becoming a Lost Cause martyr.
