author
Helen Dortch Longstreet
d. 1962
Remembered as the "Fighting Lady," she moved from journalism into public service and reform, leaving a mark on Georgia politics, libraries, and conservation. Her life also became closely tied to the long campaign to defend the reputation of her husband, Confederate general James Longstreet.
1 Audiobook
Lee and Longstreet at High Tide: Gettysburg in the Light of the Official Records
by Helen Dortch Longstreet
About the author
Born in Carnesville, Georgia, in 1863, Helen Dortch Longstreet built an unusually public career for a woman of her era. She worked as a reporter, editor, publisher, and business manager in journalism, then became active in civic life as a librarian, postmistress, and reform advocate.
She is often noted as a trailblazer in Georgia public life. Sources describe her as an early woman candidate for statewide office and credit her with helping open the way for women to serve as state librarian. She also became known for conservation work in north Georgia, especially her efforts to protect Tallulah Falls from overdevelopment.
After marrying James Longstreet in 1897, she spent many years defending his Civil War record against Lost Cause critics. She outlived him by decades and remained active well into old age, which helped earn her the nickname "Fighting Lady." Helen Dortch Longstreet died in 1962.