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In 1846, Pickett graduated from West Point, last in a class of 59. Among his several classmates who would go on to become generals were George B. McClellan and Thomas J. Jackson. In the Mexican War, he was brevetted lieutenant and then captain for his service in the Siege of Vera Cruz and during the subsequent advance on Mexico City. He served in Texas, Virginia, and Washington Territory until 1861, when he resigned his commission to enter the Confederate Army.

First a colonel, he would rise to brigadier general, to date from January 14, 1862. Pickett served under Maj. Gen. James Longstreet during the Seven Days' Campaign and was wounded at Gaines' Mill. Promoted to major general October 10, 1862, Pickett commanded a division at Fredericksburg. His name in Civil War history was secured in a losing cause, the bloody charge against the Federal center on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Following inconclusive movements on July 1-2, Lee ordered the massive assault, which was preceded by a heavy but basically ineffective artillery barrage. Under Pickett's immediate command were three brigades, under Brig. Gens. Richard B. Garnett, James L. Kemper, and Lewis A. Armistead. According to reports, Pickett was in excellent spirits before the charge, and felt his men would carry the Union defenses. At midafternoon, the attack began, with the troops dressed as if on parade as they marched toward the Federal guns. Pickett attempted to coordinate the ill-fated attack, and, contrary to the claims of some critics, acquitted himself very bravely and well. The task, however, was impossible, and he ordered his men to withdraw when it became clear that they could not break Union lines.

Regardless of the bravery of his troops and his own efforts on the field, Pickett's military reputation after Gettysburg began to decline. He would fight in battle at New Berne, Petersburg, and Five Forks, but never showed the high spirits that had once been his trademark. Gen. Robert E. Lee relieved him of his command after Sayler's Creek, just days before the final surrender came at Appomattox. After the war, Pickett became an insurance salesman in Richmond, and died in Norfolk on July 30, 1875.

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