5 Things You Probably Should Know About General “Blackjack” Pershing
You almost can't drive in Cheyenne without thinking about or seeing something related to General "Blackjack" Pershing. What was it that made him so popular here?
Here are 5 facts about the famous general, who stayed here in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
- Alsatian Family - His family was originally Alsatian, which is an area in northeast France. The original spelling of his last name was 'Pfirsching.'
- A Teacher - In 1877, there was a depression and to help out with the family finances, John Pershing taught at a Negro school in Laclede, Missouri.
- A Professor - He also taught at the University of Nebraska, in 1891, as a military science professor. He also studied law in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Military Promotion - When Pershing was just a captain, President Theodore Roosevelt jumped him over 862 senior officers and promoted him to Brigadier General in 1906.
- Why The Nickname "Black Jack?" - None of the cadets really cared for Pershing when he was a 'rigorous' instructor at West Point. He earned the title of "Black Jack" for his dark demeanor.