Major Peter F. Stevens, SCM (1859-1861)
Born in Florida on June 22, 1830, Peter Stevens entered The Citadel in January 1846. After graduating first in the class of 1849, he began a career in engineering.
In 1852, Stevens accepted a professorship at The Arsenal; transferred in 1853 to The Citadel; and in 1859 became Superintendent of The Citadel.
In January 1861, Governor Pickens ordered Stevens and a detachment of cadets to man a battery on Morris Island. His orders were to fire on any vessel bearing the US flag entering Charleston harbor. The result was the historic driving back of the Star of the West.
On August 6, 1861, Stevens resigned his position as Superintendent in order to organize the Holcombe Legion, which was noted for its distinguished service in Virginia. After the war, Stevens was active in the ministry and became Bishop in the Reformed Episcopal Church. He died in 1910.
