Hood was born in Owingsville, Kentucky and was educated at the United States Military Academy; he graduated with a low class rank. He initially served as an infantry officer but later transferred into the Second Cavalry in Texas in 1855. In 1861, Hood joined the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee as a divisional commander. He lost an arm while leading his men at the Battle of Gettysburg and a leg at the Battle of Chickamauga.

In July 17, 1864, Hood was given command of the Army of Tennessee which he led to defeat at the Battle of Franklin to Union general John McAllister Schofield. He was defeated again at the Battle of Nashville, in which most of his army was wiped out.