Background
George Crittenden was born on 20 March 1812 in Russellville, Kentucky. His parents were John Jordan and Sarah O. Lee Crittenden.
West Point, New York, United States
Crittenden graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1832.
300 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508, United States
Crittenden attended Transylvania University and became a lawyer.
George Crittenden was born on 20 March 1812 in Russellville, Kentucky. His parents were John Jordan and Sarah O. Lee Crittenden.
Crittenden graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1832 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 4th United States Infantry. He also attended Transylvania University and became a lawyer.
George Bibb Crittenden fought in the Black Hawk War of 1832 and resigned his commission the following year. He moved to the Republic of Texas in 1842 and joined the Army of the Republic of Texas. During his time there he served in the Texas Army and was captured by Mexican forces during the Mier Expedition of 1843.
He rejoined the United States Army in 1846 and fought with the Regiment of Mounted Rifles in the Mexican-American War.
Crittenden was given a brevet promotion to major for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco in 1847 and a permanent promotion to major in the regular army in 1848. However, on August 19, 1848, he was kicked out from the Army, to be restored in March 1849.
He eventually reached the permanent rank of lieutenant colonel in 1856. Just before the start of the Crittenden accepted a commission as colonel, in the Confederate States Army infantry on March 16, 1861, although he would not resign his the United States. Army commission until June 10.
He was promoted to brigadier general on August 15, 1861, and served briefly as a brigade commander in the Confederate Army of the Potomac in Virginia.
George was promoted to major general on November 9, 1861, and commanded the District of East Tennessee. On January 18, 1862, he and Confederate Brigade General Felix Zollicoffer were defeated by Union Brigadier General George H. Thomas at the Battle of Mill Springs, the first important Confederate defeat in the war, breaking the Southern hold on eastern Kentucky.
He briefly commanded the 2nd Division of the Army of Central Kentucky in 1862 but was relieved on March 31.
Crittenden was arrested the next day on charges of drunkenness by the order of Major General William J. Hardee and restored on April 18.
General Braxton Bragg ordered a court of inquiry in July and Crittenden resigned as a general officer, reverting to colonel in October 1862. He served as the state librarian of Kentucky from 1867 to 1871.