During the course of human events known as history, certain individuals slip through the cracks and do not become as famous as some of their better-known counterparts. However, in many cases this does not mean that their contributions were any less significant than the individuals more prevalent in the history books. This is undoubtedly the case when it comes to Mississippi's General William Barksdale CSA. His life is so full of colorful, important and interesting events, that his is a story known by far too few. Although his views on slavery and states' rights are controversial, not once did William Barksdale waver on his beliefs during his time as a newspaper editor, a Mexican-American War soldier, a pre-Civil War United States Congressman, or as a Confederate General.