CONFEDERATEGENERAL STONEWALL JACKSON

By: Alexa Kelly

and Amanda Johnson

EARLY LIFE

Born in Clarksburg, now West Virginia on January 21, 1824.

Named Thomas Jonathan Jackson

Trained at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Appointed to cadetship in June of 1842

Graduated on June 30, 1846.

MEXICAN WAR

Began his military career as a second-lieutenant

Served in the Mexican-American War from 1846-1848

Fought in battles with General Winfield Scott

RELIGION

Studied the Bible until he finally united with the Presbyterian Church in 1851

Extremely devout Christian

Referred to as “Deacon Jackson”

Had unwavering confidence in his religion

ECCENTRICITIES

Tried to avoid fighting on Sundays

Ate entire lemons, including the skins

Believed his body was off balance

Stood for hours with his right arm over his head at times

TEACHER

Resigned from the army for a while

Began teaching at the Virginia Military Institute on August 13, 1851

Some accounts say he was not a good teacher and students called him “Tom Fool Jackson”

Funded a Sunday School for slaves with his own money

HARPER’S FERRY

On October 16, 1859 abolitionist John Brown led a raid to seize federal arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia

He wanted to help slaves rebel

Jackson was summoned to Harper’s Ferry

Stood guard at the execution of Brown

NICKNAME Earned nickname

“Stonewall” at the Battle of First Manassas during the Civil War

Given to him by General Bernard E. Bee who stated, “There is Jackson standing like a stonewall.”

Still a mystery what Bee meant: Did he consider Jackson brave and determined or too stubborn?

VALLEY CAMPAIGN

In October 1861 promoted to Major General and put in charge of Valley of Virginia (Shenandoah Valley)

Began a series of bold operations and was defeated once at Kernstown on March 23, 1862.

Overall campaign was successful. Won at Front Royal, Winchester, Cross Keys and Port Republic.

VALLEY CAMPAIGN CONTINUED

After success with the Valley campaign, was sent to Richmond to join General Robert E. Lee

Displayed ineffective leadership during Seven Days Battles

Was sent back to the Valley

VICTORIES Once back at the Valley,

fought at Cedar Mountain

Captured Manassas Junction

Fought Battle of Second Manassas on August 30, 1862 and destroyed Northern General John Pope’s supply base

Helped create conditions for a Confederate victory

VICTORIES CONTINUED

Jackson led the capture of Harper’s Ferry on September 15, 1862

Gained 11,500 prisoners and a large amount of arms and stores

Promoted to Lt. General in October. Became in charge of half of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia

Fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862

CHANCELLORSVILLE

Battle of Chancellorsville began on May 1, 1863

Jackson was shot by friendly fire while talking to members of his staff

His troops mistook him for the enemy

DEATH

Jackson was taken to a nearby field hospital

His arm was amputated

Pneumonia set in, died eight days after being injured

General Stuart succeeded Jackson

LEGACY

Afterwards Lee said, “I have lost my right arm.”

Monument erected at his grave in Lexington, Virginia

Next to Lee, most revered of all Confederate generals

Defeated Confederates stated “if only Stonewall had lived”