Q 01/05

Which future president, his widow claimed, secured George Pickett's appointment to West Point?

A) Zachary Taylor

B) Abraham Lincoln

C) Franklin Pierce

D) James Buchanan

Answer · why

B) Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was only a state legislator at the time and could not nominate cadets; the appointment really came from his law partner, Congressman J...

Q 02/05

What does West Point call the cadet who graduates last in the class, as George Pickett did in 1846?

A) The goat

B) The anchor

C) The mule

D) The caboose

Answer · why

A) The goat

The goat is a backhanded honor for stubbornness and tenacity, and Pickett earned it by finishing 59th of 59 cadets after years of pranks and demerits.

Q 03/05

The 1859 San Juan Island standoff where George Pickett led US troops is named for which animal?

A) A sheep

B) A cow

C) A pig

D) A horse

Answer · why

C) A pig

A pig shot while rooting in an American settler's garden nearly set two nations at war, and it turned out to be the only casualty of the whole affair.

Q 04/05

When Union troops broke his lines on April 1, 1865, George Pickett was away at what kind of meal?

A) An oyster roast

B) A crab boil

C) A venison supper

D) A shad bake

Answer · why

D) A shad bake

A shad bake hosted by cavalry general Thomas Rosser, who had brought the fish on ice from the Nottoway River, kept Pickett from his troops as they wer...

Q 05/05

Which personal trademark made George Pickett the talk of the Army of Northern Virginia?

A) An ostrich-plumed hat

B) Long perfumed ringlets

C) A bright red battle shirt

D) A scarlet-lined cape

Answer · why

B) Long perfumed ringlets

Long perfumed ringlets fell loose over Pickett's shoulders, and he matched them with a tailored uniform, gold spurs and a riding crop he carried every...