Stonewall Jackson was a Confederate General who helped the Confederacy win many battles during the American Civil War. Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824, in Clarksburg, Virginia, to native Virginians Jonathan Jackson and Julia Beckwith. His sister died of typhoid when he was two years old. Only a few weeks later, his father died of typhoid. The next day, his mother gave birth to his sister Laura Ann. Her husband disliked the stepchildren when she remarried in 1830. She died while giving birth to their only child. Jackson was sent to live with his Aunt Polly for seven years. He then traveled to the United States. In 1842, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, where his military career began.
Interesting facts about Stonewall Jackson:
Stonewall Jackson joined the army as a second lieutenant. Between 1846 and 1848, he fought in the Mexican-American War. He was promoted to first lieutenant.
Stonewall Jackson met Robert E. Lee for the first time in Mexico.
Stonewall Jackson was promoted to the brevet rank of major for his actions during the Mexican-American War.
Stonewall was assigned to New York after the Mexican-American War, and then to Florida, where he stayed only briefly due to disagreements with Major William H. French.
Stonewall Jackson accepted a new position as Professor of Experimental Philosophy and Instructor of Artillery at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia in 1951.
Stonewall Jackson was a disliked teacher who was dubbed “Tom Fool.”
In 1853, Stonewall Jackson married his first wife, Elinor Junkin. Elinor gave birth to a stillborn child on October 22, 1854. She died soon after from complications.
Stonewall Jackson remarried Mary Anna Morrison in 1857. Their first child died at the age of one month. In 1862, they had another daughter.
Stonewall Jackson became a drill master for Confederate recruits in 1861. He was soon given command of Harper’s Ferry.
Harper’s Ferry was later known as the Stonewall Brigade.
The First Battle of Bull Run in 1861 earned Stonewall Jackson the nickname Stonewall. “Look at Jackson standing there like a stone wall,” was said in reference to his troops’ discipline on the front lines.
Following several victories, Stonewall Jackson was sent to join General Robert E. Lee and his army a year later.
Stonewall led poorly on a few occasions during the Seven Days Battle in 1862, but redeemed himself with foot cavalry moves at the Cedar Mountain Battle.
General Lee divided his Army of Virginia into two corps, one of which was led by Stonewall Jackson. They were able to win the Battle of Fredericksburg as a result of this.
Stonewall led his army to victory at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Stonewall Jackson was killed by friendly fire from the 18th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. As a result, his arm was amputated at a field hospital.
Stonewall Jackson died in Guinea Station, Virginia on May 10, 1863. He was 39 years old at the time.
According to legend, Stonewall Jackson’s last words were, “Let us cross the river and rest under the shade of trees.”
