Brigadier General Archibald Campbell Godwin

Brigadier General Archibald Campbell Godwin. . , Born 1831 in Nansemond Co., Va, he moved here to live with his grandmother on London Street prior to his first birthday. He was educated in Portsmouth and left for the California gold fields before the age of 19. He grew to be a man of full stature at six feet, six inches tall., Godwin struck it rich in California in gold, timber, real estate and cattle. He purchased a large Spanish land grant, which became a matter of litigation due to the mining rights. The courts dragged the case out so long that Godwin read law, was admitted to the Bar, and won the case himself. Some years later he entered politics and lost by one vote becoming the democratic nominee for governor of California in 1860. , When war came, Godwin hastened east and received a staff appointment and was detailed as Provost Marshall of Libby Prison with the rank of Major. He longed for duty in the field; however, President Davis sent him to Salisbury, NC to establish a POW Camp. He relinquished his assignment to raise and command the 57th NC Infantry Regiment. The 57th and Godwin, performed with skill and tenacity at the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. It was here that Godwin assumed command of Hoke's Brigade. He was captured four months later at Rappahannock Station and sent to Johnson's Island POW Camp. For his gallantry, the Army of Northern Virginia made exceptional efforts to obtain his early exchange. Returning to the field, and his old Brigade in August 1864, he was promoted to Brigadier General. He was killed by a shell fragment on 19 September at the Battle of Third Winchester and is buried there in the Stonewall Cemetery. The marker here is a Memorial to a brave man who nobly did his duty and gave his all to the end.